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.
Dark shadows from above
Ravens fly, obliterate the sun
"It's a sign of the devil.
He will come for his servant tonight"
These are dark times
Suspicious minds breed like rats
Guardians of corrupt morality
Spread their filthy lies
Am I to burn
I have not sinned!
Burnt at the stake.
Innocent blood that can never be wished clean
The flames of ignorance
Grow higher and higher
Licking my flesh - burning my soul
The raven laughing in the moon
These are dark times
Suspicious minds breed like rats.
Guardians of corrupt morality
Spread their filthy lies again.
Ravens fly, obliterate the sun
"It's a sign of the devil.
He will come for his servant tonight"
These are dark times
Suspicious minds breed like rats
Guardians of corrupt morality
Spread their filthy lies
Am I to burn
I have not sinned!
Burnt at the stake.
Innocent blood that can never be wished clean
The flames of ignorance
Grow higher and higher
Licking my flesh - burning my soul
The raven laughing in the moon
These are dark times
Suspicious minds breed like rats.
Guardians of corrupt morality
Spread their filthy lies again.
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This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
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Wicked lyrics, we should embrace our carnal nature freely and laugh at the fire.
Great song!
"MTV is an insult to the world" ~KMFDM
this song is so good. angela gossow is so talented and amazing, she is my idol! some day i will be able to scream like her. i wish.
Well its obviously about witch burnings, the salem trials, etc... wouldnt that suck if a bunch of ravens flew by and they burned you for it? yes it would.
with that out of the way. YEAH ROCK ON ldkjhflasd
Awesome song with a killer guitar solo and great lyrics.
This is one of my all-time favorites. The guitar solo near the end just blew me away when i first heard it. Amazing stuff!
This is one of my all-time favorites. The guitar solo near the end just blew me away when i first heard it. Amazing stuff!
Sweet god
see the agonist
Pretty awesome song, one of my favourites from Arch Enemy. Seems like a song about witch burning, but it could be seen as a broader commentary on society. Namely how people feel a need to blame someone for mishaps and unfortunate occurrences rather than just accepting it and moving on. An innocents blood will be spilled (metaphorically, but in some circumstances perhaps literally), because people point fingers, spread lies... all with the vision that they are aiding society and protecting morality by finding someone to blame, and subsequently punish.
P.S: How awesome is the line "these are dark times, suspicious minds breed like rats" !!!