The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Citizen!
Whence came your voice
your right to speak?
Is there a purpose to your tongue
and gnawing teeth?
I ask thee;
How deep and hollow
is your mouth?
What lie is too decayed
for you to stomach?
With humility and obedience
you pride yourself
Evasive and lukewarm
until the end
Citizen!
The interdependent morality
of your collective
made too soft the bed
in which you lie
I ask Thee;
Do you acknowledge
your own fragility
when you sleep
to serve the "Greater Good"
United in fear
Lives "hard to bear"
Illusions that "we are all peers"
I preach not for understanding
In you I have no faith
I spit at you my truth;
that you are the burden of my heritage
For herein lies the irony
There is neither room
nor air
for the wakeful fire
in your precious world
of equality
Citizen!
You are truly faithful
to tradition
when you crucify
those whose voices burn
Alas
a hundred years from now
you recite and corrupt
their epitaphs
to crucify another
Whence came your voice
your right to speak?
Is there a purpose to your tongue
and gnawing teeth?
I ask thee;
How deep and hollow
is your mouth?
What lie is too decayed
for you to stomach?
With humility and obedience
you pride yourself
Evasive and lukewarm
until the end
Citizen!
The interdependent morality
of your collective
made too soft the bed
in which you lie
I ask Thee;
Do you acknowledge
your own fragility
when you sleep
to serve the "Greater Good"
United in fear
Lives "hard to bear"
Illusions that "we are all peers"
I preach not for understanding
In you I have no faith
I spit at you my truth;
that you are the burden of my heritage
For herein lies the irony
There is neither room
nor air
for the wakeful fire
in your precious world
of equality
Citizen!
You are truly faithful
to tradition
when you crucify
those whose voices burn
Alas
a hundred years from now
you recite and corrupt
their epitaphs
to crucify another
Lyrics submitted by Bloodmouth
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@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday".
I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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Great version of a great song,
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There is much of Nietzsche's criticism of 'slave morality' in Ihsahn's lyrics. That I understand. However, this song simply burns with contempt for the average person.
It is also a criticism of democrary. In my opinion, the most 'frightening' thing in extreme metal is it fascist leanings. Ironically, a liberal society tolerates groups such as Emperor whereas they would simply be eliminated in a fascist state.
I am a big fan of Ihsahn but I don't like these lyrics