Argument
Fugazi Lyrics
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Executions will commence
Sides will not matter now
Matter makes no sense
How did a difference
Become a disease
I'm sure you have reasons
A rational defence
Weapons and motives
Bloody fingerprints
But I can't help thinking
It's still all disease
Here comes the argument
Here comes the argument
Here comes the argument
Folderol
It's all about strikes now
So here's what's striking me
That some punk could argue
Some moral A.B.C.'s
When people are catching
What bombers release
I'm on a mission
To never agree
Here comes the argument
Here comes the argument
Here comes the argument
Here comes the argument
Here it comes
The lyrics to Fugazi's song Argument reflect on the futility and inherent violence of arguments that escalate to the point of executions, hence the lines "when they start falling, executions will commence." The song explores how differences can quickly become a "disease" when people become increasingly entrenched in their own beliefs and refuse to listen to one another. The repeated phrase "here comes the argument" emphasizes the cyclical and repetitive nature of these kinds of conflicts.
The lyrics also touch on the way that violence begets violence, with the line "weapons and motives, bloody fingerprints" suggesting that those who engage in violent acts only perpetuate the cycle of harm. The mention of "bombers" highlights the song's political undertones; the song was released in 2001, shortly after the 9/11 attacks, and speaks to the way that political and ideological differences can lead to violence and destruction.
The song's chorus, with its repeated use of the word "folderol," adds a layer of irony and cynicism to the lyrics. "Folderol" is a term that means nonsense or meaningless talk, and it seems to suggest that the arguments being made are ultimately futile and unproductive.
Line by Line Meaning
When they start falling
When the consequences of the conflict become evident
Executions will commence
The start of brutal actions taken by a group or side
Sides will not matter now
The differences between groups or sides will become irrelevant
Matter makes no sense
The reasons behind the conflict or differences do not justify the violence and destruction being caused
How did a difference
Questioning how minor differences escalated into full-blown conflict
Become a disease
The conflict has become a destructive force that infects and harms everyone involved
I'm sure you have reasons
Acknowledging that opposing sides believe their actions are justified
A rational defence
Attempting to defend one's actions through reasoning and logic
Weapons and motives
The tools used and the reasons behind the aggressive actions
Bloody fingerprints
Evidence of the destruction and harm caused by the conflict
But I can't help thinking
Personal contemplation on the true nature and consequences of the conflict
It's still all disease
The conflict remains destructive, no matter the justifications given by either side.
Here comes the argument
The start of a disagreement or debate about the conflict and its consequences
Folderol
A nonsense or trivial argument
It's all about strikes now
The focus has shifted to direct attacks or acts of aggression
So here's what's striking me
Introducing a personal observation or realization
That some punk could argue
Questioning the validity of certain arguments or justifications
Some moral A.B.C.'s
Basic ethical principles that are being used to justify actions.
When people are catching
The innocent victims that are negatively impacted by the conflict
What bombers release
The damage caused by explosives that have been set off
I'm on a mission
A personal conviction to not agree with the harmful actions being taken
To never agree
A commitment to not simply accept the justifications given for the violence and conflict.
Here it comes
Anticipating the beginning of further argument or disagreement.
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING
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