i watched both videos and i can't make the connection to the lyrics as a coinciding message. Even if i force it, only a handful of words make sense. Therefore, i think the song is just a catalyst to promote the video. i suspect that the video wasn't initially shot for the purposes of this song, but later edited to run with it after the song found success on the radio. i think both have a profound message, but are parallel themes. And i think that's great. it's a considerable side-step from industry pop standards in-that a band is doing something very unorthodox but still creating a buzz. We all expect a video to lend some meaning to the song and vice-versa, but i think Rise Against wanted to draw attention to a personal vendetta of theirs without promoting their music as political or activist. (cuz we all know, once a band is labeled “political” or “activist” their music loosing it’s meaning as art and is just seen as more propaganda to swallow. Just look at U2 or SOAD. There’s a very thin line between expressing and promoting yourself. Cross it and your career is pretty much hosed.) That being said i think Angelight pretty much worked the lyrics out right. Once you stop trying to force it, the lyrics are pretty palpable.
i watched both videos and i can't make the connection to the lyrics as a coinciding message. Even if i force it, only a handful of words make sense. Therefore, i think the song is just a catalyst to promote the video. i suspect that the video wasn't initially shot for the purposes of this song, but later edited to run with it after the song found success on the radio. i think both have a profound message, but are parallel themes. And i think that's great. it's a considerable side-step from industry pop standards in-that a band is doing something very unorthodox but still creating a buzz. We all expect a video to lend some meaning to the song and vice-versa, but i think Rise Against wanted to draw attention to a personal vendetta of theirs without promoting their music as political or activist. (cuz we all know, once a band is labeled “political” or “activist” their music loosing it’s meaning as art and is just seen as more propaganda to swallow. Just look at U2 or SOAD. There’s a very thin line between expressing and promoting yourself. Cross it and your career is pretty much hosed.) That being said i think Angelight pretty much worked the lyrics out right. Once you stop trying to force it, the lyrics are pretty palpable.