Idmage from Yellowstone by John Abrahams

Idmage is a song named for a concept in a science fiction book from the 1970s which I yet, again, forgot the title of.
What sticks in my memory though, was the concept of a scanner to read into the inner depths of a person enough to understand all that drives them. So instead of the ability to capture something representing the appearance of a person...like a painting or picture whether film or digital.
That image of the person you can see, yes but you can only see their outer selves.
What about instead of image you could get an IDmage?

An idea from out friend Freud, of psychiatry fame, is that there are three states of a person.
Superego is the person you kinda hoped you'd be. Maybe you are or maybe not but it's what some would call your "Higher Self".
All run by rules, all civilized (or at least thinking it or having at least SOME kinda justification for living what you consider your good life.
Ego now...now, that's just life! That's getting by the days, weeks and years trying to be good but also being human so having some thoughts and behaviors that you KNOW aren't the best but...just but.
So the last is the ID that's the animal in you. The feral beast that wants what it wants and is a pretty lowdown, winner takes all type.
Now imagine, if you will, a way using fMRI or some soon-to-be developed AI- enhanced technology that could scan and analyze your brain, read all the impulses surging relentlessly but controlled by thoughts. Those thoughts could then be interpreted and understood.
Not just thoughts of what you want for lunch or where's my car, dude? No...this AI interpretation could read deep down to the lowest, most primitive base instincts you harbor. How you are so highly attracted to an office co-worker, the Boss' spouse, how you want revenge for a past mis-deed.
How you might be a threat to the state!!
What are they going to discover about the real you when they read the Idmage?

A performing musician for decades, Johnny has hit the recording studio to capture the influences acquired over the years.
Johnny performed for decades in the Washington DC area based band called Misspent Youth (www.misspentyouth.com),
He currently plays with the light rock/Latin trio Beyhan and other groups on occasion.- as well as singing Bass in the Georgetown Chorale.