Got nightmare walking on two legs
There’s a word for people like us
Can’t shake the feeling
We’re moving backwards
History repeating itself

Ain’t got time to prove
Why even bother?
Just ignore the signs
Ain’t got time to lose
Can’t change the drama
In time you’ll see
The empire never ended

McSweeney draws first blood
Teeth hit the floor
Fingers twitch on the remote
The crowd want more more more
They’re waiting for the ground and pound
To turn his face into raw meat
Little Johnny turns to mommy
“This is is what I want to be”

Because

Pain is hopeful
Pain is holy
Pain is healthy
Pain heals


Lyrics submitted by coloursallofthetime

Coliseum Lyrics as written by Kele Okereke Gordon Moakes

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

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Coliseum song meanings
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  • +2
    General Comment

    The imagery in the later verses of the song appears to be explicitly about organized sport fighting-- boxing, wrestling, mixed martial arts, etc. I think the song is meant to be a critique of Western society, and the way in which the masses are being bombarded with violent spectacle in order to distract them from organizing and demanding resolution to more serious political issues that involve their interests. It's sort of the same sentiment behind the phrase "bread and circuses". The line "The empire never ended" is presumably talking about how, despite our technological advancements, modern Western culture is still, in many ways, an extension of the Roman Empire with its coliseums and gladiators. As a result, the culture perpetuates a fetishization of violence by promoting the fighters as role models for kids, and meanwhile, politicians and the upper classes get away with all manner of unethical behaviours.

    DamienD85on January 09, 2013   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    This song would be great in The Walking Dead. Zombies and chaos, humans running for safety, the fighting, the blood, the gore. I can't see anything else when I listen to it.

    Love it, I've been binging on this for the past 5-6 days.

    scatteredhueson October 17, 2014   Link

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