Strength Beyond Strength

Surprised to see so many comments that the song is "against legalization." Couldn't be further from the truth.

The political argument here is that criminalization/prohibition has created a power void filled by dealers who become organized crime and purveyors of violence.

It can be confusing, I guess, because much of the first person perspective could be interpreted as singer (Phil) in a metal band who became a success despite his elders putting him down and not having any opportunities.

But the idea that this song is written mostly from the perspective of a criminal drug dealer directed at the police force and the government works throughout. The dealer is saying that the cops and government have created this problem because the draw of the illicit is so powerful, it even captures the cop's own son and daughter. Because the law prohibits the father cop from teaching and disciplining about drugs, with dope (marijuana) even illegal, the mob/dealer gets more power.

The political argument I interpret is that if marijuana (possibly more drugs) were legalized, it would remove the power of the dealer to operate in a criminal sphere, remove the taxes that saddle citizens to "pay a cop's paycheck" and allow the cop to be a father at home with drugs that definitely needs parenting. The cop's death was in vain and could have been prevented if weed was legal in the first place.

When the president succumbs to the terror that criminalization has brought on by literally having his hand cut off, then legalization would be inevitable.

In the last stanzas is where I believe Phil is making the point that musicians who generally all want the legalization of marijuana (mostly harmless) would be on the same side as the government who would be wholly controlled by the criminal superorganization. "there would not be a choice but to take our side"

I remember reading in maybe Thrasher in the 90s that Phil's father smoked pot with him the first time fishing when Phil was something like 12 or 13. His attitude about it was not "what a terrible father" but more along the lines of "I'm glad I wasn't so sheltered." It's been a long time since I read that so forgive me any foggy remembrance.

Moral of the story: stop giving the strength of drugs to crime, before it's too late.

I can't believe there aren't more posts for this band. They fucking rule. This song is about drug dealing, mutilation, being anti-establishment. Everything metal's about with heavy guitar and choking screams to back it up.

I tottaly agree with you, man. There is definately not enough Pantera posts on this site. Pantera is the best metal band ever and they deserve more attention. It's too bad this site is dominated by that shit that people call "emo rock" such as Dashboard fucking Confessional. Ugh. I can't believe people like that shit.

This fucking song is Easily one of Pantera's best. Turn this fucking shit up and scream right along with Phil - It's fucking great.

CRAZY CRAZY SHIT.This song is like a fucking twenty pound stone slab on your head. But there are these few lines mentioned in the lyrics which cant be heard in the song the A lament for a rookie officer, punk ass weak little lamb. For the mob, truly, does rule at this particular time.

part.

Anyone?

"But Black Dynamite, I sell drugs to the community!" this song comes to mind when i think about everything society related, and clockwork orange, yea, good song one of their best.

I think that if anything, Phil is speaking out against the legalization of drugs. Notice how at the end of the song he states that you will have no choice but to legalize, due to the fact that the influence of the drug pushers will be so pervasive that they will have succeeded in legitimizing the whole lifestyle.

Agreed - This song FUCKING ROCKS, and so does Panfuckingtera!! Me love me love

This song owns.. This is pure cock and ball music, you're not a man if you dont listen to this shit.... great song, great band, ever since cowboys, there has been no superior

RIP Dime forever missed