This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
Man watching video
The clock keeps on ticking
He doesn't know why
He's just cattle for slaughter
The, requiem
When the meaningful words
When they cease to function
When there's nothing to say
When will it start bothering you?
The, requiem
Only a hint of religion
Uncensors to its false depravity
The sound of breaking glass
This is a reflection
The, requiem
The clock keeps on ticking
He doesn't know why
He's just cattle for slaughter
The, requiem
When the meaningful words
When they cease to function
When there's nothing to say
When will it start bothering you?
The, requiem
Only a hint of religion
Uncensors to its false depravity
The sound of breaking glass
This is a reflection
The, requiem
Lyrics submitted by Agentlemonhead, edited by MistahBungle
Requiem Lyrics as written by Kevin Walker Jaz Coleman
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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Apocalyptic stuff. Reminds me a bit of the BBC Drama "Threads" (the most disturbing thing ever made, some say) - this was earlier, mind you.
Considering this album came out as Britain went into particularly dark times (Thatcherism just around the corner) its quite paranoid and sounds like everything has broken down.
I'm from 1968, 'grew up' in eighties, but somehow missed Killing Joke. Now I'm catching up and say Requime is strong song. Powerful, indeed apocalyptic (thx DrLorenzo), an introduction to metal music, especially Requime - what's something like salute to soul of deceased person (or persons).
(By the way, if you got nothing else to do, google Jaz Coleman, frontman of Killin Joke. Interesting guy!)
First Killing Joke song I ever heard was Requiem loved it then still love it now! I think the song is still relevant today!