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 Read Full BioKilling Joke is an English post-punk group which formed in October 1978 in Notting Hill, London, England. Founding members Jaz Coleman (vocals, keyboards) and Geordie Walker (guitars) have been the only constant members.
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.
Turn To Red
Killing Joke Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning | Line by Line Meaning
Bodies…
Every day, put on…my stereo,
Metallic sound!
4 Minute Warning,
Turn to red,
Turn to red,
Turn to red,
Turn to red,
Turn to red…
The sky is turning grey,
Bodies…
Turn to red…
Turn to red
Turn to red!
The lyrics to Killing Joke's song "Turn to Red" are minimalistic and repetitive, but the imagery is vivid and intense. The song begins with the speaker describing the grey sky and bodies that are likely in some state of distress or violence. The speaker then mentions putting on their stereo, which emits a metallic sound – this could be interpreted as a coping mechanism or attempt to drown out the chaos of the outside world.
The chorus is where the title of the song comes into play – the repetition of "turn to red" could be interpreted in a few different ways. It could be a warning of danger or violence, as red is often associated with blood and danger. It could also refer to a kind of transformation or awakening, as the color red can signify passion, energy, or anger. The final verse repeats the earlier lines, emphasizing the bleakness of the scene and the urgency of the warning.
Overall, the lyrics to "Turn to Red" create a sense of anxiety and unease, with the speaker trying to make sense of a world that seems to be on fire.
Line by Line Meaning
The sky is turning grey
The atmosphere is becoming depressing and lifeless.
Bodies...
Dead humans lying around, most likely caused by a catastrophic event.
Every day, put on...my stereo
On a daily basis, the narrator plays music on their sound system to escape the depressing reality of their surroundings.
Metallic sound!
The genre of music the narrator listens to has a heavy, industrial sound.
4 Minute Warning
A reference to a nuclear attack warning. Possibly suggesting they are living in a world on the brink of destruction.
Turn to red
Could represent either the sky turning red from war or the bloodshed from dead bodies.
Turn to red
Repetition of the previous line, emphasizing the message that everything is turning red.
Turn to red
Continuing the repetition and emphasis of the red imagery.
Turn to red
Suggesting that the world is descending into chaos, signaled by the repeated red imagery.
Turn to red...
An intensification of the previous line; the situation is becoming more dire.
The sky is turning grey
Reiteration of the ominous atmosphere.
Bodies...
Repetition of the earlier line suggesting that there may be more dead bodies present than initially thought.
Turn to red...
Emphasizing the chaos and bloodshed through the repetition.
Turn to red
A final reminder that everything is falling apart and chaos reigns.
Contributed by Henry V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
electricrussellette
This record is closer in time to WWII than it is to today.
Mike Pastor. K
When this was made the sitcom Soap' had a character that was a WWII vet who still thought he was in the war. He wasn't THAT old either.
TheDirtyBubble
This song is technically a golden oldie.
Vinyl Solution
Jesus!! Dont say that.
electricrussellette
@Zolarex 1945-1979 (34 years); 1979-2021 (42 years).
Zolarex
ww2 was 20 something years before this was made
J B
The drumming on this is incredible.
M D
The whole song is incredible.
John Pulsar
"Some of those good ol' classics, Liberty City, you know? Like back in the days? Let's have it."
-Francois K, Electro-Choc, 2008
Gustavo Daniel
Una obra de arte...