Hear Nothing See Nothing Say Nothing
Discharge Lyrics

The lyrics to Discharge's song "Hear Nothing See Nothing Say Nothing" convey a message of societal and political injustices that force individuals into a state of silence and submission. Through the lines "Lied to threatened cheated and deceived," the band draws attention to the ways in which people are manipulated and mistreated by those in power. The repeated phrase "Hear nothing see nothing say nothing" underscores a feeling of helplessness and hopelessness in the face of such oppression, as if one's only option is to close off their senses and suppress their voice.

The line "Led up garden paths and into blind alleys" adds a sense of disillusionment and betrayal, as if those who have been lied to and mistreated have been led astray by false promises and empty words. The song seems to suggest that the best response to such oppression is to refuse to participate in it, to refuse to be complicit in one's own oppression. This is conveyed through the message of "hear nothing, see nothing, say nothing."

Notably, Discharge's music is often categorized as a subgenre of punk called "D-beat," named after the band's distinctive drumming style. The angry, aggressive sound of the music reinforces the message of the lyrics, creating a sense of urgency and desperation.