A key influence on industrial rock, their early music was described by critics Stephen Thomas Erlewine and John Dougan as well as industrial metal and "quasi-metal, dancing to a tune of doom and gloom," which gradually evolved over the years, incorporating elements of electronic music, synth-pop, gothic rock, and alternative rock, though always emphasizing Coleman's "savagely strident vocals."
Finding modest commercial success, Killing Joke have influenced many later bands, such as Nirvana, Ministry, Amen, Lamb of God, Nine Inch Nails, Napalm Death, Amebix, Big Black, Godflesh, Tool, Prong, Metallica, Primus, Jane's Addiction, Soundgarden, Foo Fighters, Faith No More, Blacklist, Shihad and Korn, all of whom have at some point cited some debt of gratitude to Killing Joke.
Tribal Antidote
Killing Joke Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Too much pain and suffering, crying too many's funerals, we know the earth is dying gatherers, celebrants, in a state of merriment this sickness - cleanse us with fire and music.
This tribal antidote my choice, come to the great assembly - Revelry rejoice! Rejoice! Rejoice!
Not a concert, show or entertainment a temple, a ritual, a festival of dissent kindred spirits exchange and listen we share in common different value system.
This tribal antidote my choice, come to the great assembly - Revelry rejoice! Rejoice! Rejoice!
This tribal antidote my choice, come to the great assembly - Revelry rejoice! Rejoice! Rejoice!
Church of liberty, you'll never take this from me barter, no money, i don't suffer from spiritual poverty economic slavery, come back with bravery here is a sanctuary we'll get away from all this.
This tribal antidote my choice, come to the great assembly - Revelry rejoice! Rejoice! Rejoice!
This tribal antidote my choice, come to the great assembly - Revelry rejoice! Rejoice! Rejoice!
The lyrics to Killing Joke's "This Tribal Antidote" speak to the idea of finding spiritual and emotional solace in communal gatherings and ritualistic experiences. The opening lines, "Lift up your spirits! Too much pain and suffering, crying too many's funerals, we know the earth is dying," suggest a call to action. The world is a bleak and depressing place filled with suffering and loss, but there is hope to be found in coming together as a tribe and celebrating through music and fire.
The chorus, "This tribal antidote my choice, come to the great assembly - Revelry rejoice! Rejoice! Rejoice!" reinforces this message of finding healing and joy through communal gatherings. The lyrics describe these gatherings not as mere concerts or shows, but as temples and festivals of dissent. It is a place where kindred spirits can come together to share in a common yet diverse set of values and experiences.
The final lines of the song, "Church of liberty, you'll never take this from me," speaks to the idea of finding freedom and sanctuary from the oppressive forces of economic slavery and spiritual poverty. Overall, "This Tribal Antidote" is an ode to the powerful sense of community and healing that can be found through shared experiences and ritualistic practices.
Line by Line Meaning
Lift up your spirits!
Let go of your troubles and sorrows and embrace a new mindset that can bring you happiness and peace.
Too much pain and suffering, crying too many's funerals, we know the earth is dying gatherers, celebrants, in a state of merriment this sickness - cleanse us with fire and music.
We have witnessed too much pain and suffering in this world, too many deaths, and we recognize that the planet is struggling. We gather together to celebrate life and happiness, to cleanse ourselves from the sickness of the world through the power of fire and music.
Not a concert, show or entertainment a temple, a ritual, a festival of dissent kindred spirits exchange and listen we share in common different value system.
This is not just a simple concert or entertainment, it is a temple and a ritual where we come together to celebrate our differences and discuss our different value systems.
Church of liberty, you'll never take this from me barter, no money, i don't suffer from spiritual poverty economic slavery, come back with bravery here is a sanctuary we'll get away from all this.
We believe in the freedom to express ourselves and we will not let anyone take that away from us. We do not engage in economic systems based on money and instead create our own sanctuary where we can be free from the burdens of economic slavery and spiritual poverty.
This tribal antidote my choice, come to the great assembly - Revelry rejoice! Rejoice! Rejoice!
We choose to follow this tribal antidote that helps us find happiness and peace. We invite everyone who desires the same to come together in this great assembly and celebrate life with us. Let's revel in joy and happiness!
This tribal antidote my choice, come to the great assembly - Revelry rejoice! Rejoice! Rejoice!
We choose to follow this tribal antidote that helps us find happiness and peace. We invite everyone who desires the same to come together in this great assembly and celebrate life with us. Let's revel in joy and happiness!
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: GEORDIE WALKER, JAZ COLEMAN, PAUL RAVEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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