Contagion of Conformity: A Plague of Ignorance | Infected | Bad Religion

Infected is a song by the American punk rock band Bad Religion, released in 1996 on their album The Grey Record. The song's lyrics are often interpreted as a commentary on the spread of misinformation, ignorance, and apathy in society.

The song's opening lines, "You're infected, it's a disease" suggest that the problem is contagious, spreading rapidly through social circles. The chorus, "You're infected, you can't be cured / You'll never get better" reinforces this idea, implying that once someone becomes "infected," they are forever changed.

The lyrics also touch on themes of conformity and groupthink, with lines like "They're all infected, it's a disease" and "You don't want to hear the truth, you'd rather stick with what you know." These phrases suggest that people are more likely to accept and perpetuate misinformation than to seek out accurate knowledge.

Throughout the song, lead vocalist Greg Graffin's distinctive vocals deliver a sense of urgency and frustration, as if he is warning listeners about the dangers of complacency. The song's tempo is fast-paced and driving, characteristic of Bad Religion's signature punk sound.

In many ways, "Infected" can be seen as a call to action, urging listeners to critically evaluate information and resist the temptation to simply conform to societal norms. As a commentary on the spread of misinformation, the song remains remarkably relevant even decades after its release, serving as a timely reminder to stay vigilant in the face of disinformation.