In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
You've gotta die, gotta die
Gotta die for your government?
Die for your country? That's shit
You've gotta die, gotta die
Gotta die for your government?
Die for your country? That's shit
There's a gulf war vet, dying a slow
Cold death and the government says
"We don't know the source of his sickness"
But don't believe what they say
Because your government is lying
They've done it before and don't you
Know they'll do it again
A secret test, government built virus
Subject test group gulf battle field troops
You've gotta die, gotta die
Gotta die for your government?
Die for your country? That's shit
You've gotta die, gotta die
Gotta die for your government?
Die for your country? That's shit
First world war veterans slaughtered
By General Eisenhower
You give them your life
They give you a stab in the back
Radiation, agent orange, tested on us souls
Guinea pigs for western corporations
I never have, I never will
Pledge allegiance to their flag
You're getting used, you'll end up dead
You've gotta die, gotta die
Gotta die for your government?
Die for your country? That's shit
You've gotta die, gotta die
Gotta die for your government?
Die for your country? That's shit
I don't need you to tell me what to do
And I don't need you to tell me what to be
Fuck you
I don't need you to tell me what to say
And I don't need you to tell me
What to think! What to think
What to think, what to think
What to think, think, think, think
You've gotta die, gotta die
Gotta die for your government?
Die for your country? That's shit
Gotta die for your government?
Die for your country? That's shit
You've gotta die, gotta die
Gotta die for your government?
Die for your country? That's shit
There's a gulf war vet, dying a slow
Cold death and the government says
"We don't know the source of his sickness"
But don't believe what they say
Because your government is lying
They've done it before and don't you
Know they'll do it again
A secret test, government built virus
Subject test group gulf battle field troops
You've gotta die, gotta die
Gotta die for your government?
Die for your country? That's shit
You've gotta die, gotta die
Gotta die for your government?
Die for your country? That's shit
First world war veterans slaughtered
By General Eisenhower
You give them your life
They give you a stab in the back
Radiation, agent orange, tested on us souls
Guinea pigs for western corporations
I never have, I never will
Pledge allegiance to their flag
You're getting used, you'll end up dead
You've gotta die, gotta die
Gotta die for your government?
Die for your country? That's shit
You've gotta die, gotta die
Gotta die for your government?
Die for your country? That's shit
I don't need you to tell me what to do
And I don't need you to tell me what to be
Fuck you
I don't need you to tell me what to say
And I don't need you to tell me
What to think! What to think
What to think, what to think
What to think, think, think, think
You've gotta die, gotta die
Gotta die for your government?
Die for your country? That's shit
Lyrics submitted by alphabetical
Die for the Government Lyrics as written by Philippe Pierre Mariah Carey
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Songtrust Ave, Anthem Entertainment
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
Thursday
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
Punchline
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.
This is the best song live. You get in the pit with all the other kids and everyone is singing along. Best place to be.