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Lotus Lyrics
Woke before the morning sun, I found tucked beneath the hill.
I sat and watched it rise, it hit the sky and burst to flames.
The lotus flowers got me thinkin 'bout the way that we live.
I got this feeling, its gonna stop...
Driven by religion, running backwards down a one-way road
I've caused collisions, big decisions trying to save your soul.
Manifest destiny is just a fancy word for murder.
I got this feeling, its gonna stop...
A billion faces running round my head.
I got opinions but they don't mean shit.
Keep dropping bombs until the whole worlds dead. They'll say its all been done and its all been said.
Turn this message into a pop movement. A fashion statement, call it politics. You can mark my words they'll put a spin on it because its all been done.
Look outside the box my friend, your hearts been dead since who knows when.
Its seems we missed the mark, lost all hope and given in.
Pack up your suitcase, take a handkerchief and wipe off your chin
The fear that drives you needs to be stopped.
A billion faces running round my head.
I got opinions but they don't mean shit.
Keep dropping bombs until the whole worlds dead. They'll say its all been done and its all been said.
Turn this message into a pop movement. A fashion statement, call it politics. You can mark my words they'll put a spin on it because its all been done.
Fell into a daze and found my mind was gone and laid to waste.
A battleground indeed where holy wars had taken place.
I saw the sunset, watched it travel down and tear through the ground. But the hate that drives us needs to be stopped...
I sat and watched it rise, it hit the sky and burst to flames.
The lotus flowers got me thinkin 'bout the way that we live.
I got this feeling, its gonna stop...
I've caused collisions, big decisions trying to save your soul.
Manifest destiny is just a fancy word for murder.
I got this feeling, its gonna stop...
I got opinions but they don't mean shit.
Keep dropping bombs until the whole worlds dead. They'll say its all been done and its all been said.
Turn this message into a pop movement. A fashion statement, call it politics. You can mark my words they'll put a spin on it because its all been done.
Its seems we missed the mark, lost all hope and given in.
Pack up your suitcase, take a handkerchief and wipe off your chin
The fear that drives you needs to be stopped.
I got opinions but they don't mean shit.
Keep dropping bombs until the whole worlds dead. They'll say its all been done and its all been said.
Turn this message into a pop movement. A fashion statement, call it politics. You can mark my words they'll put a spin on it because its all been done.
A battleground indeed where holy wars had taken place.
I saw the sunset, watched it travel down and tear through the ground. But the hate that drives us needs to be stopped...
Song Info
Submitted by
thathillkid On Sep 26, 2008
More Cage the Elephant
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Add your song meanings, interpretations, facts, memories & more to the community.
"Driven by religion, running backwards down a one-way road I've caused collisions, big decisions trying to save your soul. Manifest destiny is just a fancy word for murder. I got this feeling, its gonna stop..."
This is referring to the way religion has caused us only to regress further. "Running backwards down a one-way road" where progress is forward, and regressing would be backwards down said road.! Religion has caused collisions (War), big decisions (could be referring to politics, and the way religion snakes it's way into the lives of everyone, via laws on abortion, gay marriage, etc.) Manifest Destiny, if you don't know what that is, look it up.
"Turn this message into a pop movement. A fashion statement, call it politics. " Here he's referring to how whenever someone brings up a valid point, it's shrugged off as some movement or statement, but it's never really considered. Call it politics (where nothing progressive ever gets done). "You can mark my words they'll put a spin on it because its all been done." Attempt to bring about some kind of progress and they'll put a spin on it.. even if you're a law-abiding citizen with something legitimate to say, those in charge don't want their perfect hierarchy to change for anybody. They'll make you look like a radical, change what you're saying and then nobody will support you. They'll spin what you said into something else. Look at Karl Marx.. he had legitimate ideas on how to better run a country, and when people started applying his ideas in real life there was unprecedented tension between countries, and wars resulting from an IDEA!
How do I know this is true????? Cause it's allllll beeeeen doneeeeeeeee. :)
It seems like you've thought more thoroughly than all/most people here. I applaud you, sir/ma'am.
It seems like you've thought more thoroughly than all/most people here. I applaud you, sir/ma'am.
Hey good post. But the bit about Karl Marx. His ideas were crap! It might have looked OK on paper, but it seems every time a country attempts to implement it that it involves tens of millions of deaths. So screw communism. Also what Marx did to Bakukin was just plain wrong. Bakunin's ideas were better in my opinion, but still doomed to fail in practice.
Hey good post. But the bit about Karl Marx. His ideas were crap! It might have looked OK on paper, but it seems every time a country attempts to implement it that it involves tens of millions of deaths. So screw communism. Also what Marx did to Bakukin was just plain wrong. Bakunin's ideas were better in my opinion, but still doomed to fail in practice.
@SeanHarney That's the exact point he was making "and when people started applying his ideas in real life there was unprecedented tension between countries, and wars resulting from an IDEA! "
@SeanHarney That's the exact point he was making "and when people started applying his ideas in real life there was unprecedented tension between countries, and wars resulting from an IDEA! "
"Manifest destiny is just a fancy word for murder." best line in the song. It summarizes the whole meaning of the song.
for some of u that dont know what manifest destiny means, its the idea that was an imperialistic expansion is necessary or benevolent. Its a self righteous way of thinking. Its was the driving force behind the rapid expansion of America into the West from the East. causing our us to steal land from native americans and believeing it was the right thing to do. I believe cag are saying that the war in iraq is the same thing. "oh iraq is better with us being there."
pretty much speaks for itself; about the disillusionment and ignorance of america and such. agreed though, this is such a good song/band, really refreshing.
its not ignorance of america, its about how he feels that wars over religion are the most stupid mind numbing thing, because no one ever changes their mind. Cage isnt an anti american band
its not ignorance of america, its about how he feels that wars over religion are the most stupid mind numbing thing, because no one ever changes their mind. Cage isnt an anti american band
But it makes sense; that it could be how ignorant America is. He's saying people are going to turn this into a pop culture message and how their opinions don't mean anything. Just because he may think America is ignorant doesn't mean he's anti-American. (Because we are, it's only true.)
But it makes sense; that it could be how ignorant America is. He's saying people are going to turn this into a pop culture message and how their opinions don't mean anything. Just because he may think America is ignorant doesn't mean he's anti-American. (Because we are, it's only true.)
I disagree with krazycait, because what you're saying is counterintuitive to what CtE is saying. Throughout the song he is talking about how we still hold on to the same views we've had since the dark ages. If you listen, you find the recurring message "It's gonna stop/needs to stop". He seems to be saying that we need to drop these age old views and prejudices we've held on to for FAR too long, and see things for what they really are.
I disagree with krazycait, because what you're saying is counterintuitive to what CtE is saying. Throughout the song he is talking about how we still hold on to the same views we've had since the dark ages. If you listen, you find the recurring message "It's gonna stop/needs to stop". He seems to be saying that we need to drop these age old views and prejudices we've held on to for FAR too long, and see things for what they really are.
Krazycait, I have to say I despise you for what you said at the end...
Krazycait, I have to say I despise you for what you said at the end of your post. "Just because he may think America is ignorant doesn't mean he's anti-American. (Because we are, it's only true.)" This is retarded. Do you think that well-educated Americans think of themselves as ignorant?? By saying that Americans are ignorant, you called yourself ignorant. So why in the hell should I listen to what you have to say if you call yourself ignorant?! Along with outdated views on religion, we need to drop these stupid assumptions we have about other people.. when you call Americans ignorant, you're subjecting EVERY American to the same standard. This is called stereotyping, and if you haven't heard of stereotyping in America you've been living under a rock your whole life.
RaShock, I'm an educated American and I think the mass majority of Americans are ignorant. I think you're ignorant and self-righteous. You're mixing up terminology and their definitions and you're making assumptions about other people's vague opinions on what songs mean. Stop being a dick and just state your opinion.
RaShock, I'm an educated American and I think the mass majority of Americans are ignorant. I think you're ignorant and self-righteous. You're mixing up terminology and their definitions and you're making assumptions about other people's vague opinions on what songs mean. Stop being a dick and just state your opinion.
holy crap everyone please refrain from commenting on other peoples opinions judgementally. no matter how horrible you think they are. excuse my language but, just shut up and post your own personal judgement, not on everyone else, but the awesome band known as CageTE.
holy crap everyone please refrain from commenting on other peoples opinions judgementally. no matter how horrible you think they are. excuse my language but, just shut up and post your own personal judgement, not on everyone else, but the awesome band known as CageTE.
Actually, given that fact that the ruling families in america control almost all sources of news, we are all pretty ignorant, or spend an obscene amount of time fact finding.
Actually, given that fact that the ruling families in america control almost all sources of news, we are all pretty ignorant, or spend an obscene amount of time fact finding.
As I see it, this song is referring to the way of our culture (yes at its core our now global civilization has one dominant root culture) as it has been since it began in the Middle East ten thousand years ago. It has grown to consume the world through its inherent views of manifest destiny. War exists because our culture says to us that we are always right, and that there is a right way for people to live, through religion historically, but through politics more recently. All of this thinking that we are right leads us to war, to destroying ourselves by all trying to live the same way.
Its gonna stop refers to the new revolution going on, people rejecting the root views of our culture, its gotta stop explains itself at this point.
Join the revolution. And remember, Its gonna stop, either in catastrophe, or with a revolution in the thousands of different ways we can live successfully if we stopped trying to make everyone live successfully, and give up our claims of global ownership.
I'm just throwing it out there, but does anyone think that Lotus Flower may be referring to the Lotus-Eaters in Greek mythology, where the Lotus flowers were narcotic and addictive, causing the people to sleep in peaceful apathy (possibly referencing to pot) that made him think about the way we live? (and explains the trippy description of the sun coming up) I know it's kind of demeaning in a way, but I'm just throwing it out there...
Can't believe there aren't any comments. This song is amazing.
The Buddha's direct inspiration for developing a philosophy on life / god / evolution was seeing a lotus flower. "The Lotus flower's got me thinking about the way that we live."
The Buddha's direct inspiration for developing a philosophy on life / god / evolution was seeing a lotus flower. "The Lotus flower's got me thinking about the way that we live."
In which the Buddha said after he picked up the lotus' inspiration: "Like the lotus, you experience three primary stages of evolution. The first is marked by ignorance and darkness, when you lie below the dense mud - a closed chysalis - which, by nature of existence, will eventually be pulled upwards by the warmth of the Sun. The second is exemplified by the climb through the clouded waters of...
In which the Buddha said after he picked up the lotus' inspiration: "Like the lotus, you experience three primary stages of evolution. The first is marked by ignorance and darkness, when you lie below the dense mud - a closed chysalis - which, by nature of existence, will eventually be pulled upwards by the warmth of the Sun. The second is exemplified by the climb through the clouded waters of your emotional experience, yet still the flower reaches to the Sun, knowing no other destiny ... no other purpose. The third brings full illumination in the splendour of the light. The Lotus flower blossoms, baring its exquisite beauty to all those who are aware, enough to recognise God unfolding."
So, basically, I would say that the song is about how we have evolved and changed, religiously since then.
wowowow. Good music of today with good lyrics of substance. That's uncommon.
For those who don't know, and I may be reading into this too much, the Lotus is the flower associated with the symbol of Pisces, the era of which we are currently in which is "ruled" by the teacher or "God" known as Jesus Christ. The "Lotus" could be a metaphor for Jesus which would explain the religious theme of this song.
"The lotus flowers got me thinkin 'bout the way that we live. I got this feeling, it's gonna stop."
--Christianity (religion) within America and the way that it affects most of its population as well as its direct influence in how we run politics, our country and/or what is deemed morally "right" or "wrong".
Could be a coincidence, though.
Excuse me, the Lotus HAS been associated with the sign of Pisces. I don't want to make some claim and start spreading rumors or "false facts".
Excuse me, the Lotus HAS been associated with the sign of Pisces. I don't want to make some claim and start spreading rumors or "false facts".
Well, the lotus has been affiliated with quite a few different things, and one that stuck out the most (when I did some research when I first listened to this song) is that it is affiliated with spiritual progression, not only any religion. When hearing the lyrics "Driven by religion, running backwards down a one-way road" it sounds very much against religion. I think the idea of the lotus is to represent spiritual progression, and the idea that all religions themselves are wrong. They are cults, and generally only call every other religion wrong and their own right. Most of them,...
Well, the lotus has been affiliated with quite a few different things, and one that stuck out the most (when I did some research when I first listened to this song) is that it is affiliated with spiritual progression, not only any religion. When hearing the lyrics "Driven by religion, running backwards down a one-way road" it sounds very much against religion. I think the idea of the lotus is to represent spiritual progression, and the idea that all religions themselves are wrong. They are cults, and generally only call every other religion wrong and their own right. Most of them, anyway. Buddhism seems closest to the truth, but all religions seem like they have some influences that are malevolent or at least a bit off. I think the lotus the song speaks about is saying a spiritual progression will come forth, and everyone will riot and whatnot. Same for realising the government's control which will cause those who have already awakened and those who then awaken to start fighting back. It seems to be what all of Cage the Elephant is about. But I don't think it's supposed to mean that the character (or lead singer or whoever the song is first person to) saw "jesus" and saw the truth. Not sure if that's what you were implying, only giving my opinion.
Since the lotus flower also blooms twice it's also used to symbolize rebirth. And I doubt this song is centralized about Christianity, just doesn't sound much like CTE.
Since the lotus flower also blooms twice it's also used to symbolize rebirth. And I doubt this song is centralized about Christianity, just doesn't sound much like CTE.
Sighs
It's sad, really. I love the song, the way it sounds, but I hate the purpose of the lyrics. It's like a few Flobots songs that I like. They sound nice, but political view of the band is preventing me from fully appreciating the song.
'Cage the Elephant' and 'Flobots' are very similar bands, in my opinion.
They both portray political thoughts and views in their songs, but they hide them behind cleverly placed words and beats, making it fun to listen to, partially informative, and they really make you think when you get into the lyrics.
If you don't listen to Flobots, you should really check them out, they're amazing.
They're not very similar at all. Musically they are very different and they may have similar views with their lyrics but there would be heaps of other bands who would also have similar views.
They're not very similar at all. Musically they are very different and they may have similar views with their lyrics but there would be heaps of other bands who would also have similar views.