Manic Street Preachers — If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next
Album: This is My Truth Tell Me YoursAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2397
Length: 4:44
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The future teaches you to be alone
The present to be afraid and cold
So if I can shoot rabbits
Then I can shoot fascists
Bullets for your brain today
But we'll forget it all again
Monuments put from pen to paper
Turns me into a gutless wonder
And if you tolerate this then your children will be next
And if you tolerate this then your children will be next
Will be next, will be next, will be next
Gravity keeps my head down
Or is it maybe shame
At being so young and being so vain
Holes in your head today
But I'm a pacifist
I've walked Las Ramblas
But not with real intent
And if you tolerate this then your children will be next
And if you tolerate this then your children will be next
Will be next, will be next, will be next, will be next
And on the street tonight an old man plays
With newspaper cuttings of his glory days
And if you tolerate this then your children will be next
And if you tolerate this then your children will be next
Will be next, will be next, will be next
The present to be afraid and cold
So if I can shoot rabbits
Then I can shoot fascists
Bullets for your brain today
But we'll forget it all again
Monuments put from pen to paper
Turns me into a gutless wonder
And if you tolerate this then your children will be next
And if you tolerate this then your children will be next
Will be next, will be next, will be next
Gravity keeps my head down
Or is it maybe shame
At being so young and being so vain
Holes in your head today
But I'm a pacifist
I've walked Las Ramblas
But not with real intent
And if you tolerate this then your children will be next
And if you tolerate this then your children will be next
Will be next, will be next, will be next, will be next
And on the street tonight an old man plays
With newspaper cuttings of his glory days
And if you tolerate this then your children will be next
And if you tolerate this then your children will be next
Will be next, will be next, will be next
Comments (160)add comment
Topical. :-(
There is so much to say about this - probably better expressed by all the folks below. The world is even more heartbreakingly terrifying than it was.........
26 TWENTY SIX?? ago. How the $%^& did that happen?
26 TWENTY SIX?? ago. How the $%^& did that happen?
ratjadi wrote:
No no no, CNN says this is disinformation. The articels from 2019 and before which pointed out exactly what you say must have been planted by time travelling Putin himself after Feb 22, before which there was no conflict in UA. And beware, some self-righteous libdems here who shout in caps against the "orange man" defending democracy by demanding the oppostion being taken out by the judicial system, 3 letter agencies and by brute force eventually.
It can’t come soon enough.
No no no, CNN says this is disinformation. The articels from 2019 and before which pointed out exactly what you say must have been planted by time travelling Putin himself after Feb 22, before which there was no conflict in UA. And beware, some self-righteous libdems here who shout in caps against the "orange man" defending democracy by demanding the oppostion being taken out by the judicial system, 3 letter agencies and by brute force eventually.
It can’t come soon enough.
Great lyrics. Timeless in America. Eliminate ratings 1-4, then their avg would be higher, or use the median.
Natalie merchant or Sintead Connor? Neither
So true. The Palestinians are finding out the hard way. We Americans are finding out the soft way.
sjccroquet wrote:
Your comment has aged exceptionally well. Betcha wouldn't have guessed that in 2020 we'd be longing for the good ol' days of 2018!
Can we just hit the reset button on the planet already? I want a new start :(
Your comment has aged exceptionally well. Betcha wouldn't have guessed that in 2020 we'd be longing for the good ol' days of 2018!
Can we just hit the reset button on the planet already? I want a new start :(
Blender_of_Music wrote:
I never thought I would see children bring the Hitler-salute openly or wear fascist badges.
But we 'tolerate' this bcs they're fighting the Russians right?
No no no, CNN says this is disinformation. The articels from 2019 and before which pointed out exactly what you say must have been planted by time travelling Putin himself after Feb 22, before which there was no conflict in UA. And beware, some self-righteous libdems here who shout in caps against the "orange man" defending democracy by demanding the oppostion being taken out by the judicial system, 3 letter agencies and by brute force eventually.
I never thought I would see children bring the Hitler-salute openly or wear fascist badges.
But we 'tolerate' this bcs they're fighting the Russians right?
No no no, CNN says this is disinformation. The articels from 2019 and before which pointed out exactly what you say must have been planted by time travelling Putin himself after Feb 22, before which there was no conflict in UA. And beware, some self-righteous libdems here who shout in caps against the "orange man" defending democracy by demanding the oppostion being taken out by the judicial system, 3 letter agencies and by brute force eventually.
justin4kick wrote:
Thanks, very insightful even after almost 20 years! Or even more so today, as the same is happening again. This time naive liberal ( <> left) westerners enlisting in UA to fight with the the fascists and waking up to to tune of heavy artillery. Of course the gullible are pullets of higher and darker interests again.
If you want some background information about the song lyrics, here's an explanation I find very interesting:
General Comment (from https://songmeanings.com/songs/view/62574/)
Before WWII communism was very popular with the left leaning intellectual elite. They saw fascism as a huge threat and thought that by joining the communists in the Spain civil war they could prevent fascism from spreading, help the world, build a utopia, etc.
Needless to say, they were fairly naive. Many went to fight the fascists without any concept of how horrible it would be. So you had these left leaning university grad intellectuals (like Austin) who had only fired rifles when hunting, enlisting to be fighters and ambulance drivers in Spain. Hence the
"if I can shoot rabbits
then I can shoot fascists".
Only once they got there did they start to realize that the communists were just as much puppets controlled by Russia as the fascists were controlled by Germany & Italy (in fact maybe even more so).
They were young and vain and thought they could win. The fascists were much better equipped and organized and probably had more local support. Many returned to England and America broken men.
Hence the line
"Gravity keeps my head down
Or is it maybe shame
At being so young and being so vain".
Notice how they had to keep their heads down to avoid being shot.
Many had been pacifists in college, they were idealistic and unprepared. The war wasn't real to them, until they arrived and saw their friends killed.
Hence,
"Holes in your head today
But I'm a pacifist
I've walked La Ramblas
But not with real intent"
The war became a prelude to World War II, in which oddly enough, the victorious Spanish fascists remained neutral.
“Bullets for your brain today
But we'll forget it all again”
General Comment (from https://songmeanings.com/songs/view/62574/)
Before WWII communism was very popular with the left leaning intellectual elite. They saw fascism as a huge threat and thought that by joining the communists in the Spain civil war they could prevent fascism from spreading, help the world, build a utopia, etc.
Needless to say, they were fairly naive. Many went to fight the fascists without any concept of how horrible it would be. So you had these left leaning university grad intellectuals (like Austin) who had only fired rifles when hunting, enlisting to be fighters and ambulance drivers in Spain. Hence the
"if I can shoot rabbits
then I can shoot fascists".
Only once they got there did they start to realize that the communists were just as much puppets controlled by Russia as the fascists were controlled by Germany & Italy (in fact maybe even more so).
They were young and vain and thought they could win. The fascists were much better equipped and organized and probably had more local support. Many returned to England and America broken men.
Hence the line
"Gravity keeps my head down
Or is it maybe shame
At being so young and being so vain".
Notice how they had to keep their heads down to avoid being shot.
Many had been pacifists in college, they were idealistic and unprepared. The war wasn't real to them, until they arrived and saw their friends killed.
Hence,
"Holes in your head today
But I'm a pacifist
I've walked La Ramblas
But not with real intent"
The war became a prelude to World War II, in which oddly enough, the victorious Spanish fascists remained neutral.
“Bullets for your brain today
But we'll forget it all again”
gongozolo on November 27, 2004
Thanks, very insightful even after almost 20 years! Or even more so today, as the same is happening again. This time naive liberal ( <> left) westerners enlisting in UA to fight with the the fascists and waking up to to tune of heavy artillery. Of course the gullible are pullets of higher and darker interests again.
Btravelen wrote:
Sad to see 18 apparent fans of the Orange menace among us
the fight for truth and justice is never ending - vote vote vote…
THERE IS NO ROOM FOR FASCISTS HERE. WE DO NOT TOLERATE THE INTOLERANT REPUBLICANS PASSING BULLSHIT LAWS TO LIMIT THE RIGHTS OF ANY HUMANS.
Sad to see 18 apparent fans of the Orange menace among us
the fight for truth and justice is never ending - vote vote vote…
THERE IS NO ROOM FOR FASCISTS HERE. WE DO NOT TOLERATE THE INTOLERANT REPUBLICANS PASSING BULLSHIT LAWS TO LIMIT THE RIGHTS OF ANY HUMANS.
freddyfender wrote:
Specifically regarding Trump's minions snatching babies from their mother's arms at the border. History will not be kind to those that supported this Orange menace.
Sad to see 18 apparent fans of the Orange menace among us
Specifically regarding Trump's minions snatching babies from their mother's arms at the border. History will not be kind to those that supported this Orange menace.
Sad to see 18 apparent fans of the Orange menace among us
I haven't heard this in forever. Loved this song, and the earnestness of this band on this album in particular. The song is still outstanding and powerful- its message more relevant than ever.
A lot of my friends made fun of me for being so into this, but then I saw Radiohead live in 2001 (who we all loved) and didn't Thom Yorke throw in a few bars of this during one of the their songs- i felt so damned vindicated!
A lot of my friends made fun of me for being so into this, but then I saw Radiohead live in 2001 (who we all loved) and didn't Thom Yorke throw in a few bars of this during one of the their songs- i felt so damned vindicated!
or just get lazy and relinquish power to the power hungry. "Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will." Fredrick Douglass.
cavemanleong wrote:
Four years down the line and, well, the aptness did not go down. If anything, it went up...
A very apt song for the times we're living in right now.
Four years down the line and, well, the aptness did not go down. If anything, it went up...
cc_rider wrote:
I never thought I would see children bring the Hitler-salute openly or wear fascist badges.
But we 'tolerate' this bcs they're fighting the Russians right?
I wrote that about a year ago. Who could've known it is even more timely today - re: Ukraine. And other atrocities around the world too, but Ukraine is at the forefront today.
c.
c.
I never thought I would see children bring the Hitler-salute openly or wear fascist badges.
But we 'tolerate' this bcs they're fighting the Russians right?
freddyfender wrote:
Specifically regarding Trump's minions snatching babies from their mother's arms at the border. History will not be kind to those that supported this Orange menace.
As the mass-murderer Churchill said:"history will be kind to me, for I intend to write it".
And he was right.
WW2 has also proven your statement wrong unfortunately.
Many of the big fascist backers were forgiven and rehabilitated.
And what's happening now even more.
The minions indeed go to jail, but as I predicted they will not touch Orange man.
Only a few months before mid-terms. They are fully aware this is the window of opportunity.
Specifically regarding Trump's minions snatching babies from their mother's arms at the border. History will not be kind to those that supported this Orange menace.
As the mass-murderer Churchill said:"history will be kind to me, for I intend to write it".
And he was right.
WW2 has also proven your statement wrong unfortunately.
Many of the big fascist backers were forgiven and rehabilitated.
And what's happening now even more.
The minions indeed go to jail, but as I predicted they will not touch Orange man.
Only a few months before mid-terms. They are fully aware this is the window of opportunity.
Motolorax wrote:
I'm from South Wales where these guys are from, but not a massive fan. However their lyrics are well thought out, loaded and the reference to the volunteers during the Spanish civil war is indeed very timely. But given what i've seen lately on the news of heavily armed fascist militia threatening the state government in Michigan I have to concede that the last thing we need are lyrics that could be miss-read as a call to violence. Good luck America, I hope you can rescue yourselves without civil war.
Well, it wouldn't be the first time that a piece of well-intentioned* media would be misunderstood or selectively translated out of context to bulwark whatever position someone wanted justification for. Whether it's Born In The USA, My City Was Gone, or a very popular book that starts with a B (the name escapes me), there's not much that can be done to prevent someone from misappropriating whatever for their own purposes. We'll just keep creating worthy works of art and hope that they are enjoyed as intended.
I'm from South Wales where these guys are from, but not a massive fan. However their lyrics are well thought out, loaded and the reference to the volunteers during the Spanish civil war is indeed very timely. But given what i've seen lately on the news of heavily armed fascist militia threatening the state government in Michigan I have to concede that the last thing we need are lyrics that could be miss-read as a call to violence. Good luck America, I hope you can rescue yourselves without civil war.
Well, it wouldn't be the first time that a piece of well-intentioned* media would be misunderstood or selectively translated out of context to bulwark whatever position someone wanted justification for. Whether it's Born In The USA, My City Was Gone, or a very popular book that starts with a B (the name escapes me), there's not much that can be done to prevent someone from misappropriating whatever for their own purposes. We'll just keep creating worthy works of art and hope that they are enjoyed as intended.
sfyi2001 wrote:
. . . 2021
I N D E E D .
... 2022
HOLD MY BEER
. . . 2021
I N D E E D .
... 2022
HOLD MY BEER
cc_rider wrote:
I wrote that about a year ago. Who could've known it is even more timely today - re: Ukraine. And other atrocities around the world too, but Ukraine is at the forefront today.
c.
Heartbreaking.
Seems like it could have been released yesterday.
c.
c.
Yeah, still don't like it 
Does he mean if the adults tolerate the vaccine, then the children can get it? Hmmmm
Bit too relevant in these times 
cavemanleong wrote:
and I'm here from 3 years down the line to say - Oh Boy, if only you knew!!!!
A very apt song for the times we're living in right now.
and I'm here from 3 years down the line to say - Oh Boy, if only you knew!!!!
Big, bigger, MANICS 
crsm123 wrote:
Hence the ability to yell in tune, in most of their songs anyway.
They are Welsh you know.
Hence the ability to yell in tune, in most of their songs anyway.
This band reminds me of some amazing times we had in the 90's, and saw them a fair few times.
Also reminds me how narrow minded the mainstream are. I was working at a factory kind of place when this came on. A slightly overweight geezer who was stuffing his fat face with a greasy burger at the time said "this song is bizarre, I don't understand it". I just smiled.
Also reminds me how narrow minded the mainstream are. I was working at a factory kind of place when this came on. A slightly overweight geezer who was stuffing his fat face with a greasy burger at the time said "this song is bizarre, I don't understand it". I just smiled.
I've always liked this song and album. It speaks strongly in many ways.
zenmumu wrote:
I don't understand this in connection to the song. Right church, maybe the wrong pew, right idea, maybe the wrong face.
true, true, true THAT'S TRUE!!
We can't tolerate this....
We can't tolerate this....
I don't understand this in connection to the song. Right church, maybe the wrong pew, right idea, maybe the wrong face.
For years I thought the lyrics were "If you turn away from this, then your children will be next".
Which I guess isn't far off the meaning, really.
Which I guess isn't far off the meaning, really.
cavemanleong wrote:
. . . 2021
I N D E E D .
A very apt song for the times we're living in right now.
. . . 2021
I N D E E D .
Thought I was hearing Chrissy Hynde for a second.
Fascists got to Fascist
Haters got to Hate
Haters got to Hate
cavemanleong wrote:
Even more so for the current times.....freedoms and civil liberties being given up in the name of 'covid'
A very apt song for the times we're living in right now.
Even more so for the current times.....freedoms and civil liberties being given up in the name of 'covid'
They are Welsh you know.
freddyfender wrote:
Specifically regarding Trump's minions snatching babies from their mother's arms at the border. History will not be kind to those that supported this Orange menace.
You mean, following the Obama/Biden order and example , and using the 'cages' built by those two duplicitous a-holes?
Specifically regarding Trump's minions snatching babies from their mother's arms at the border. History will not be kind to those that supported this Orange menace.
fredriley wrote:
How sadly prescient, when the far Right and fascists are on our streets and in government :(
Wow, I really didn't expect such a biased and misguided comment from you, Fred.Great melody, great lyrics. Gem of a song.
Heartbreaking.
Seems like it could have been released yesterday.
c.
Seems like it could have been released yesterday.
c.
cavemanleong wrote:
Your comment has aged exceptionally well. Betcha wouldn't have guessed that in 2020 we'd be longing for the good ol' days of 2018!
A very apt song for the times we're living in right now.
Your comment has aged exceptionally well. Betcha wouldn't have guessed that in 2020 we'd be longing for the good ol' days of 2018!
Love this song! 
fredriley wrote:
This is such a lie. It's the left causing chaos, burning down black neighborhoods. But keep lapping up what the media puts in front of you.
How sadly prescient, when the far Right and fascists are on our streets and in government :(
This is such a lie. It's the left causing chaos, burning down black neighborhoods. But keep lapping up what the media puts in front of you.
Why I protest in 21st century America.
I love Robbie Williams
fredriley wrote:
Your comment is 9 months old, but is even more accurate today. Ugh.
c.
How sadly prescient, when the far Right and fascists are on our streets and in government :(
Your comment is 9 months old, but is even more accurate today. Ugh.
c.
I think it was Robbie Williams 
SpinyNorma wrote:
I'm from South Wales where these guys are from, but not a massive fan. However their lyrics are well thought out, loaded and the reference to the volunteers during the Spanish civil war is indeed very timely. But given what i've seen lately on the news of heavily armed fascist militia threatening the state government in Michigan I have to concede that the last thing we need are lyrics that could be miss-read as a call to violence. Good luck America, I hope you can rescue yourselves without civil war.
Why the 'censored' version of this song? Should be as per the lyrics, ie 'So if I can SHOOT rabbits, then I can SHOOT fascists'. It's a line inspired by an anti-fascism poster of the 30s IIRC. The common people's fight was hard and bloody, and doesn't need to be cleaned up for sensitive ears! 
I'm from South Wales where these guys are from, but not a massive fan. However their lyrics are well thought out, loaded and the reference to the volunteers during the Spanish civil war is indeed very timely. But given what i've seen lately on the news of heavily armed fascist militia threatening the state government in Michigan I have to concede that the last thing we need are lyrics that could be miss-read as a call to violence. Good luck America, I hope you can rescue yourselves without civil war.
Brilliant
fredriley wrote:
And how sad to think that this shit has been going on for, what, at least 75 years or so....or even longer.....I am NOT tolerating it (which is why I'm commenting) and my daughter is NOT next.
Long Live RP and fighting the power!!
How sadly prescient, when the far Right and fascists are on our streets and in government :(
And how sad to think that this shit has been going on for, what, at least 75 years or so....or even longer.....I am NOT tolerating it (which is why I'm commenting) and my daughter is NOT next.
Long Live RP and fighting the power!!
How sadly prescient, when the far Right and fascists are on our streets and in government :(
cavemanleong wrote:
My thoughts, exactly.
First time to hear this song. Thank you, RP.
A very apt song for the times we're living in right now.
My thoughts, exactly.
First time to hear this song. Thank you, RP.
Why the 'censored' version of this song? Should be as per the lyrics, ie 'So if I can SHOOT rabbits, then I can SHOOT fascists'. It's a line inspired by an anti-fascism poster of the 30s IIRC. The common people's fight was hard and bloody, and doesn't need to be cleaned up for sensitive ears!
EDIT: Thankyou, RP bods, for playing the correct version - even if it upsets a snowflake or two (fingers crossed!).
EDIT: Thankyou, RP bods, for playing the correct version - even if it upsets a snowflake or two (fingers crossed!).
Tomasni wrote:
8 up to 9 and I turned the volume WAY up....Long Live RP!!
8 down to 7 I skip
8 up to 9 and I turned the volume WAY up....Long Live RP!!
Fantastic to hear this on RP. Love the Manics, and this track is unfortunately so apt for our times especially as we have Trump visiting the UK right now. The national average IQ level is currently at an all-time low.
cavemanleong wrote:
Specifically regarding Trump's minions snatching babies from their mother's arms at the border. History will not be kind to those that supported this Orange menace.
A very apt song for the times we're living in right now.
Specifically regarding Trump's minions snatching babies from their mother's arms at the border. History will not be kind to those that supported this Orange menace.
8 down to 7 I skip
europlatus wrote:
There are similarities for sure, but as you said, overall, the songs are "very different".
"When The Manic Street Preachers' 1998 single "If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next" was released, many commented on its similarities to this song. ("'Duchess") Cornwall commented to Classic Rock magazine: 'It was bandied around when it came out. I think the publishing companies involved have musicologists who study these things and decide whether to take action. No action was taken, so obviously it didn't resemble it that much. It doesn't bother me. Everyone plagiarises everything anyway. It's the nature of the beast. I mean, you could say The Beatles doing 'Back In The U.S.S.R.' was plagiarizing the Beach Boys,' he added. 'But they only did it because they loved the Beach Boys. So when does an influence become plagiarism? It's not something I spend a lot of time thinking about.'"
I actually sympathized with The Stranglers when they claimed this plagiarized the melody of Duchess. I can see how they lost the lawsuit, but I could sympathize. Note for note it's almost identical, although the overall song is very different.
There are similarities for sure, but as you said, overall, the songs are "very different".
"When The Manic Street Preachers' 1998 single "If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next" was released, many commented on its similarities to this song. ("'Duchess") Cornwall commented to Classic Rock magazine: 'It was bandied around when it came out. I think the publishing companies involved have musicologists who study these things and decide whether to take action. No action was taken, so obviously it didn't resemble it that much. It doesn't bother me. Everyone plagiarises everything anyway. It's the nature of the beast. I mean, you could say The Beatles doing 'Back In The U.S.S.R.' was plagiarizing the Beach Boys,' he added. 'But they only did it because they loved the Beach Boys. So when does an influence become plagiarism? It's not something I spend a lot of time thinking about.'"
I actually sympathized with The Stranglers when they claimed this plagiarized the melody of Duchess. I can see how they lost the lawsuit, but I could sympathize. Note for note it's almost identical, although the overall song is very different.
Outstanding song, outstanding album!
I thought the same thing!
Great Song! I thought it was U2 for just a second...!
A very apt song for the times we're living in right now.
HOLY MOTHER OF GOD.... first time listening to this song, which I have heard hundreds of times, on my HT OMEGA Eclaro2+Bose Noise Cancelling headsets....7->9
An appropriate song for this weekends' events.
fine and finer
justin4kick wrote:
Plus ça change...
If you want some background information about the song lyrics, here's an explanation I find very interesting:
General Comment (from https://songmeanings.com/songs/view/62574/)
Before WWII communism was very popular with the left leaning intellectual elite. They saw fascism as a huge threat and thought that by joining the communists in the Spain civil war they could prevent fascism from spreading, help the world, build a utopia, etc.
Needless to say, they were fairly naive. Many went to fight the fascists without any concept of how horrible it would be. So you had these left leaning university grad intellectuals (like Austin) who had only fired rifles when hunting, enlisting to be fighters and ambulance drivers in Spain. Hence the
"if I can shoot rabbits
then I can shoot fascists".
Only once they got there did they start to realize that the communists were just as much puppets controlled by Russia as the fascists were controlled by Germany & Italy (in fact maybe even more so).
They were young and vain and thought they could win. The fascists were much better equipped and organized and probably had more local support. Many returned to England and America broken men.
Hence the line
"Gravity keeps my head down
Or is it maybe shame
At being so young and being so vain".
Notice how they had to keep their heads down to avoid being shot.
Many had been pacifists in college, they were idealistic and unprepared. The war wasn't real to them, until they arrived and saw their friends killed.
Hence,
"Holes in your head today
But I'm a pacifist
I've walked La Ramblas
But not with real intent"
The war became a prelude to World War II, in which oddly enough, the victorious Spanish fascists remained neutral.
“Bullets for your brain today
But we'll forget it all again”
General Comment (from https://songmeanings.com/songs/view/62574/)
Before WWII communism was very popular with the left leaning intellectual elite. They saw fascism as a huge threat and thought that by joining the communists in the Spain civil war they could prevent fascism from spreading, help the world, build a utopia, etc.
Needless to say, they were fairly naive. Many went to fight the fascists without any concept of how horrible it would be. So you had these left leaning university grad intellectuals (like Austin) who had only fired rifles when hunting, enlisting to be fighters and ambulance drivers in Spain. Hence the
"if I can shoot rabbits
then I can shoot fascists".
Only once they got there did they start to realize that the communists were just as much puppets controlled by Russia as the fascists were controlled by Germany & Italy (in fact maybe even more so).
They were young and vain and thought they could win. The fascists were much better equipped and organized and probably had more local support. Many returned to England and America broken men.
Hence the line
"Gravity keeps my head down
Or is it maybe shame
At being so young and being so vain".
Notice how they had to keep their heads down to avoid being shot.
Many had been pacifists in college, they were idealistic and unprepared. The war wasn't real to them, until they arrived and saw their friends killed.
Hence,
"Holes in your head today
But I'm a pacifist
I've walked La Ramblas
But not with real intent"
The war became a prelude to World War II, in which oddly enough, the victorious Spanish fascists remained neutral.
“Bullets for your brain today
But we'll forget it all again”
gongozolo on November 27, 2004
Plus ça change...
If you want some background information about the song lyrics, here's an explanation I find very interesting:
General Comment (from https://songmeanings.com/songs/view/62574/)
Before WWII communism was very popular with the left leaning intellectual elite. They saw fascism as a huge threat and thought that by joining the communists in the Spain civil war they could prevent fascism from spreading, help the world, build a utopia, etc.
Needless to say, they were fairly naive. Many went to fight the fascists without any concept of how horrible it would be. So you had these left leaning university grad intellectuals (like Austin) who had only fired rifles when hunting, enlisting to be fighters and ambulance drivers in Spain. Hence the
"if I can shoot rabbits
then I can shoot fascists".
Only once they got there did they start to realize that the communists were just as much puppets controlled by Russia as the fascists were controlled by Germany & Italy (in fact maybe even more so).
They were young and vain and thought they could win. The fascists were much better equipped and organized and probably had more local support. Many returned to England and America broken men.
Hence the line
"Gravity keeps my head down
Or is it maybe shame
At being so young and being so vain".
Notice how they had to keep their heads down to avoid being shot.
Many had been pacifists in college, they were idealistic and unprepared. The war wasn't real to them, until they arrived and saw their friends killed.
Hence,
"Holes in your head today
But I'm a pacifist
I've walked La Ramblas
But not with real intent"
The war became a prelude to World War II, in which oddly enough, the victorious Spanish fascists remained neutral.
“Bullets for your brain today
But we'll forget it all again”
General Comment (from https://songmeanings.com/songs/view/62574/)
Before WWII communism was very popular with the left leaning intellectual elite. They saw fascism as a huge threat and thought that by joining the communists in the Spain civil war they could prevent fascism from spreading, help the world, build a utopia, etc.
Needless to say, they were fairly naive. Many went to fight the fascists without any concept of how horrible it would be. So you had these left leaning university grad intellectuals (like Austin) who had only fired rifles when hunting, enlisting to be fighters and ambulance drivers in Spain. Hence the
"if I can shoot rabbits
then I can shoot fascists".
Only once they got there did they start to realize that the communists were just as much puppets controlled by Russia as the fascists were controlled by Germany & Italy (in fact maybe even more so).
They were young and vain and thought they could win. The fascists were much better equipped and organized and probably had more local support. Many returned to England and America broken men.
Hence the line
"Gravity keeps my head down
Or is it maybe shame
At being so young and being so vain".
Notice how they had to keep their heads down to avoid being shot.
Many had been pacifists in college, they were idealistic and unprepared. The war wasn't real to them, until they arrived and saw their friends killed.
Hence,
"Holes in your head today
But I'm a pacifist
I've walked La Ramblas
But not with real intent"
The war became a prelude to World War II, in which oddly enough, the victorious Spanish fascists remained neutral.
“Bullets for your brain today
But we'll forget it all again”
gongozolo on November 27, 2004
papersitter wrote:
- Given the political orientation of the Manics, I _really_ can't see the Trump campaign using this - would be hilarious if they did!
Is this the theme for the Trump campaign?
- Given the political orientation of the Manics, I _really_ can't see the Trump campaign using this - would be hilarious if they did!Amazing song with an amazing message. Thanks RP!
papersitter wrote:
thought the same thing...
Is this the theme for the Trump campaign?
Is this the theme for the Trump campaign?
Love the message, hate the song. So ultimately it doesn't matter what the message is.
rdo wrote:
I think that's the intention. The band are Welsh and the song references the Welsh volunteers who fought against the Fascists during the Spanish Civil war. And as others have written, it is quite relevant today.
Wow, these lyrics are abysmal.
I think that's the intention. The band are Welsh and the song references the Welsh volunteers who fought against the Fascists during the Spanish Civil war. And as others have written, it is quite relevant today.
rdo wrote:
Er, well they're pretty relevant these days, when racist reaction and neo-fascism (such as Hungary's Jobbik party, or Italy's Lega Nord, or France's Front National) are increasingly widespread in Europe, and of course youse in the US have your own home-grown (and well-armed) nazis, one of whom recently committed the Charleston atrocity. The message is very clear, and very true: tolerate fascism now, and your children will suffer the dire consequences. That was the lesson of the 30s, and is equally applicable in these dark days. (And yes, I do know very well what fascism is and where it comes from. )
Kudos to the boys from the Welsh valleys: they're always stayed radical, and have always remembered their roots, even after becoming international superstars.
Wow, these lyrics are abysmal.
Er, well they're pretty relevant these days, when racist reaction and neo-fascism (such as Hungary's Jobbik party, or Italy's Lega Nord, or France's Front National) are increasingly widespread in Europe, and of course youse in the US have your own home-grown (and well-armed) nazis, one of whom recently committed the Charleston atrocity. The message is very clear, and very true: tolerate fascism now, and your children will suffer the dire consequences. That was the lesson of the 30s, and is equally applicable in these dark days. (And yes, I do know very well what fascism is and where it comes from. )
Kudos to the boys from the Welsh valleys: they're always stayed radical, and have always remembered their roots, even after becoming international superstars.
DaidyBoy wrote:
So true...so unfortunately true....just the same in Germany. I only experience the younger generation mainly as self centered.....
The younger generation in the UK don't protest anymore. They don't even recycle.
So true...so unfortunately true....just the same in Germany. I only experience the younger generation mainly as self centered.....
The younger generation in the UK don't protest anymore. They don't even recycle.
oldfart48 wrote:
Shut up, we have heard enough of crazy for one day...
facist scum run, own and have destroyed this country, open season.......
these lyrics are truth
these lyrics are truth
Shut up, we have heard enough of crazy for one day...
facist scum run, own and have destroyed this country, open season.......
these lyrics are truth
these lyrics are truth
rdo wrote:
I think these lyrics are excellent
Wow, these lyrics are abysmal.
I think these lyrics are excellent
Wow, these lyrics are abysmal.
Fine music with a most important message, thank you Radio Paradise.
I'm tolerating it and I have no children... should I be worried? 
wenatchee wrote:
So far I am on the same page . . .
Me too....
So far I am on the same page . . .
Me too....
Very nice! 
freddyfender wrote:
An excellent theme song for the brave souls who are currently Ocupying Wall Street!
An excellent theme song for the brave souls who are currently Ocupying Wall Street!
Don't be so quick to think that today's youth don't have a collective mind of thier own. If you fail to recognize this you will be lost in the past.
MrBanshee wrote:
I think that if it's overproduced, then there must have been more than one producer in the studio.
true, true, true THAT'S TRUE!!
We can't tolerate this....
We can't tolerate this....
hewhallock wrote:
I think that if it's overproduced, then there must have been more than one producer in the studio.
Lyrics may be pertinent but the song is way over-produced. Couldn't wait for it to end. Wasn't there a producer in the studio?
I think that if it's overproduced, then there must have been more than one producer in the studio.
Danimal174 wrote:
So far I am on the same page . . .
First time I've heard this, and I like what I hear.
So far I am on the same page . . .
Lyrics may be pertinent but the song is way over-produced. Couldn't wait for it to end. Wasn't there a producer in the studio?
So true! Never stops amazing me of all the BS the American people actually tolerate.
Apparently I have no soul because all I hear is The Scorpions.
First time I've heard this, and I like what I hear.
Gish05 wrote:
Thanks, I haven't heard much from this band and I'd like to hear more.
The Manics are such an underrated band... this album in particular is just amazing. Everyone should check it out in full, like most of their discography.
Thanks, I haven't heard much from this band and I'd like to hear more.
Great band. Glastobury Festival 2007. Awesome!
sdn wrote:
Wow, blast from the past! Haven't heard this in ages. One of my top ten favorite songs from 1999.
If the lyrics don't give you goosebumps, you have no soul.
If the lyrics don't give you goosebumps, you have no soul.
Welsh rock band - kewl!
The Manics are such an underrated band... this album in particular is just amazing. Everyone should check it out in full, like most of their discography.
Much better than that other Manic Street Preachers song that was getting a ton of air time a couple years ago, this is actually kind of good.
Wow, blast from the past! Haven't heard this in ages. One of my top ten favorite songs from 1999.
If the lyrics don't give you goosebumps, you have no soul.
If the lyrics don't give you goosebumps, you have no soul.
I didn't even hear the song, but I'll rate a 7 for the title!
Great song! Fantastic lyrics!
i dig this
Kurt_from_La_Qui wrote:
this band has an interesting history... their lead singer for years left one day and has never been seen since. he has never been found. after reading the comments about this song, maybe some think he needs to come back. i kinda like it.
You mean their lyricist. He never sang with the band. He totally disappeared and no one knows whether he is alive or not. To say he is living somewhere in Asia or Africa or to say he killed himself, both comments are equally ignorant and stupid.
Kruril wrote:
Descerning listeners might realize that this band has taken a lot from Guns'n Roses and turned into something incredibly different, vibrant, and well put group. One of the most touching songs would be Ocean Spray, about James Bradfield's mother dieing of cancer. The trumpet solo is absolutely stunning. I honestly find Know Your Enemy an excellent album spanning a wonderful set of topics, and frankly, it shows off their terrific evolution from a Guns 'n Roses clone. However, I really like Roses in the Hospital. Stay away from album called The Holy Bible if you don't like loud, raucous, and controversial music ;) It's not their best as I can't listen to it more than once every few weeks but it makes many pungent points.
Ah, you are one of those dreaded "new" fans then. Holy Bible is universally regarded as an absolute classic and is undoubtably the best Manic's album. Even upon release, James said is was not an album designed to be listened to over and over but one that everyone should have. The pinnacle of the greatest rock n' roll story ever.
The first 3 albums are unique works of genius, but they went off the rails a bit after that and are now pretty damn awful. Obvious events forced the change.
Bob-Loblaw wrote:
Sometimes you gotta listen to an album a bunch of times before you 'get it' -this band definitely has it, but good! The lyrics on this song as well as Elian (sp?) the album is a great one to listen to in it's entirety while working on the computer
Do you mean Baby Elian which is on the album after this one?
Like it. 7. For some reason it reminds me of Suede.
I love the soaring guitars and vocals.. nice ethereal stuff here... solid 8 for me
Outstanding track!
Oh yeah! Thanks Bill.
10 :)
I'd heard this song before but hadn't really twigged the serious lyrics. A sound warning to apathetic individualistic youth, which hopefully some have taken to heart. 8 from the Nottingham jury.
Myrrh wrote:
It's not true. I'm in India and the African savannah and I've not run into him. This is just a story intended to add romanticism to an otherwise typical musician's suicide.
lol.
great song, powerful lyrics
Myrrh wrote:
It's not true. I'm in India and the African savannah and I've not run into him. This is just a story intended to add romanticism to an otherwise typical musician's suicide.
rrrright, that tiny provincial part of the world called India...
Is it just me or is there a lot of songs on RP that end with that same ambient-feedback-sounding sustained tone?
Or maybe just a lot of songs in general that end with that?
Gotta investigate this band. Up one point even!
drH wrote:
Awesome fade out of the ending of Pink Floyd's Fearless!!!!
The fans of Liverpool Football Club singing their anthem 'You'll Never Walk Alone'
Sometimes you gotta listen to an album a bunch of times before you 'get it' -this band definitely has it, but good! The lyrics on this song as well as Elian (sp?) the album is a great one to listen to in it's entirety while working on the computer