By being one of the first bands to blend anarcho-punk and heavy metal music, Amebix are often cited as one of the key bands that helped to create the crust punk style, and are considered as a proto-thrash metal band. Such notable bands as Sepultura, Neurosis, and Deviated Instinct have paid homage.
Curfew
Amebix Lyrics
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Go with the crowd and suck with them too
We don't believe in you
Have you heard the new sounds
Of battle on the streets
Have you seen the army uniforms
Sitting in your bunker
With your radio on
Follow these instructions
Or take your chances with the bomb
The lyrics of Amebix's song Curfew are a reflection of the tumultuous political and social climate of the time it was written in. The opening lines speak to the pressure to conform and the fear of going against the crowd. The sense of disillusionment is palpable as the singer proclaims "We don't believe in you", rejecting the traditional authorities and questioning the validity of those in power.
The subsequent lines describe the chaos and violence of the battlefield, with the soldiers' uniforms and the marching feet evoking a sense of impending doom. The song creates a vivid picture of a society on the brink of collapse, and the fear and paranoia that come with such a situation. The final lines suggest that even those who attempt to hide away in their bunkers and ignore the chaos around them will not be unaffected, as they are given a stark choice: obey or face the threat of annihilation.
Overall, Amebix's Curfew is a powerful commentary on the state of society and the dangers of conformity and complacency in the face of unrest and upheaval.
Line by Line Meaning
Take your chance, uphold your victor
Seize your opportunity and support the one who emerges victorious
Go with the crowd and suck with them too
Conform to the beliefs and actions of the majority, even if they are unfavorable
We don't believe in you
The singer does not trust or have faith in the person being addressed
Have you heard the new sounds
Are you aware of the latest developments and events
Of battle on the streets
Confrontation and conflict taking place in public spaces
Have you seen the army uniforms
Witnessed the militarization of society through clothing
Heard the sound of marching feet
Noticed the ominous sound of soldiers approaching
Sitting in your bunker
Hiding away from the dangers of the outside world
With your radio on
In touch with the latest information via a reliable source
Follow these instructions
Obey these orders for your safety
Or take your chances with the bomb
Disobey and risk getting caught amidst explosive conflict
Contributed by Addison F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.