Collective Consciousness is the theme for Senator Steven Armstrong while he is piloting Metal Gear EXCELSUS. It also played during the second half of the battle against Steven Armstrong in the Jetstream DLC.
The lyrics appear to denote the deranged beliefs of corrupt politicians and bureaucrats, letting the poor and downtrodden be sacrificed for the gains of the rich and powerful, keeping in theme with Armstrong's position as a senator. Alternatively, the lyrics could refer to how Raiden perceives Armstrong, as the song plays before Armstrong reveals his true motives behind Operation Tecumseh. On the other side, with Armstrong's true beliefs and motivations in mind, it can be read as his personal boon about everything he hates about American leadership and society.
It also greatly reflects on the actions, motivations, and even the beliefs of The Patriots: especially their AIs. Fittingly enough, they are discussed right before the battle.
The demo (or unmixed) version was sung by Tim Anderson from Shadows Entwined band, and has three different lines respect Maniac Agenda Mix by Jimmy Gnecco (marked in bold below).
Lyrics
Collective Consciousness (Maniac Agenda Mix)
The unenlightened masses
They cannot make the judgement call
Give up free will forever their voices won’t be heard at all
Display obedience
While never stepping out of line
And blindly swear allegiance
Let your country control your mind
(Let your country control your soul)
Live in ignorance
And purchase your happiness
When blood and sweat is the real cost
Thinking ceases, the truth is lost
Don’t you worry
You’ll be told exactly what to do
I give my people the lives they need
The righteous will succeed
The fires of greed will burn the weak
So we’ll make freedom obsolete
Making whole the fabric of society
Collective consciousness controlled as you will see
MIND CONTROL
Let your country control your soul
Let your country control your soul
Let your country control your soul
Let your country control your soul
[Official lyrics from Platinum Games - Do not modify]
Collective Consciousness (Demo / Original version)
The unenlightened masses
They cannot make the judgement call
Give up free will forever their voices won’t be heard at all
Display obedience
While never stepping out of line
And blindly swear allegiance
Let your country control your mind
(Let your country control your soul)
Live in ignorance
And purchase your happiness
When blood and sweat is the real cost
Thinking ceases, the truth is lost
Don’t you worry
You’ll be told exactly what to do
I give my people the lives they need
The righteous will succeed
The fires will burn in their defeat
The human heart is obsolete
Breaking down the fabric of society
Collective consciousness controlled as you will see
MIND CONTROL
Let your country control your soul
Let your country control your soul
Let your country control your soul
Let your country control your soul
Credits and original composition
Written by: Logan Mader & Jamie Christopherson
Lyrics by: Logan Mader & Jamie Christopherson
Recorded by: Logan Mader
Produced by: Logan Mader & Jamie Christopherson
Mixed by: Logan Mader
Remixed by: Maniac Agenda
Vocals 1: Jimmy Gnecco (Maniac Agenda Mix)
Vocals 2: Tim Anderson (Demo / Original version)
Guitars & Bass: Logan Mader
Drums: Ralph Alexander
Bass: Logan Mader
Programming: Logan Mader & Jamie Christopherson