This is the third song in the concept album “Theta vs. Pi”. A true collaboration from the creative essence of an individual who deeply appreciates both of these artists, together with a collection of machine learning models and AI music generation tools.
These tools are trained to understand the intersection between the styles of these artists and their influences. The creative decision making process for this song is detailed in these two Theta v Pi project articles:
Inspiration
After Pi's introspective admissions in the preceding track, Theta unleashes a torrent of long-simmering resentment in "Retaliation." Set against a progressively pounding rock beat, the song serves as a musical tornado of frustration, mirroring Theta's pent-up emotions. The pounding rhythm amplifies her seething anger as she vents her grievances.
Lyrically, Theta doesn't hold back, referencing Pi's past controversies and questioning why she still needs to endure them. The refrain, "Retaliation's just begun," becomes a rallying cry, unleashing years of bottled-up frustration with tightly-coiled fury. With each verse, Theta's words become sharper, her tone more cutting, as she lays bare the depth of her contempt.
The pre-chorus serves as a simmering build-up, intensifying Theta's contempt before the explosive choruses erupt with vitriol. As the song progresses, Theta's vocals match the overdriven instrumentation with raw emotion, demanding atonement from her nemesis or else facing the consequences.
"Retaliation" stands in stark contrast to the peaceful remorse of the previous track, serving as Theta's cathartic dismantling of Pi's public image. Ultimately, she reaches the conclusion that Pi does not deserve the accolades he's received. With her power in the industry, she forces the organisers to retract Pi’s award, marking a decisive moment in their tumultuous relationship.
Song
Lyrics
[verse]
You talk big, whatcha really got
Whatcha value we've all forgot
Tally up the lies you spun
Hide behind your rhymes, you're done
(buildup)
[verse]
Castle of pride, I'll tear it apart
Piece by piece, just to break your heart
You're not safe the way you are
Should have done this from the very start
(buildup)
[chorus]
Retaliation's just begun
Your time has come
This is long overdue
Now let's have fun
[verse]
Bury your award
Slashed with my sword
I've got power now
Influence the board
[pre-chorus]
You'll feel the pain of your maker
I'm your undertaker
[chorus]
Retaliation's just begun
Your time has come
This is long overdue
Now let's have fun
[verse]
Your betrayal cut deep
like a knife to the soul
But now I'm stronger
I'm taking control
[bridge]
With every strike
I'll settle the score
[verse]
Your pedestal crumbles
As I stand tall
You thought you were king
But you're bound to fall
(buildup)
[verse]
I'll strip away your facade
Expose it all
In the wreckage of your empire
You'll be small
(buildup)
[chorus]
Retaliation's just begun
Your time has come
Retaliation's just begun
(aah)
[outro]
Retaliation's knocking at your door...