In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
Never one to be held back or held down
I'd write my name so the king could see
I will follow the true declaration
And find some hope in what mankind could be
I've worked so hard
Let my deeds be my witness
And let my words flow through everyone
When free men stand
Against what would bind them
No hope for tyrants
We will over come
Do not obey
No masters now
Do not obey
Not subjects
We have held on for so long
Do not obey
Talking heads tell the masses the story
They shape the lie in the schools and the TV
Our fathers work and intent is unwritten
By the lazy who don't know they're free
I hear the story and it makes me determined
To spread the word that we can't just lay down
What we read and we see drawn before us
Is a lie and we must hold our ground
It's found in you
It's found in me
From birth to stone
We remain free as always
I'd write my name so the king could see
I will follow the true declaration
And find some hope in what mankind could be
I've worked so hard
Let my deeds be my witness
And let my words flow through everyone
When free men stand
Against what would bind them
No hope for tyrants
We will over come
Do not obey
No masters now
Do not obey
Not subjects
We have held on for so long
Do not obey
Talking heads tell the masses the story
They shape the lie in the schools and the TV
Our fathers work and intent is unwritten
By the lazy who don't know they're free
I hear the story and it makes me determined
To spread the word that we can't just lay down
What we read and we see drawn before us
Is a lie and we must hold our ground
It's found in you
It's found in me
From birth to stone
We remain free as always
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There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
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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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i think this song is about taking no bullshit in general and stand up for what is right
I think this is a commentary about the general paradigm shift in human beliefs. People no longer take the bible seriously. Phil is a Christian so this would make sense. "I'd write my name so the king could see", I think means he has his name written in the book of life. "I will follow the true declaration", This would seem to be the bible. I think the bulk of the song is about disregarding "truths" of a secular humanistic world. "Do not obey", "They shape the lie in schools and TV" and "What we read and see drawn before us is a lie". Strongly seem to point to the general acceptance of atheism (or at best agnosticism) and evolution.
i like the interpretation of it...but i watched an interveiw with phil and he said that he writes lyrics for the listeners can apply it to themselve and make up what they want the song to be about or somethiing like that,you would have to watch it...but so far i like yours the best lol
it's about standing up for what you believe in and not taking bullshit from anyone about it.
for me the song about being an american citizen. the first half of the song is bout the ideals of the founding fathers. "I write my name so the king could see." is about them signing the decleration of independents with the rest of the first half acting and standing behind those ideals. the second half is about how complasency, anderson cooper/bill o'relly depending on your political view, and the willingness of people to serender there freedom with out of a fight is destorying the country from the inside. what Phil is saying and is hoping that we will stand up for what we beliefs in.