Anthem
Anthrax Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't let them tell you that you owe it all to me
Keep on looking forward; no use in looking 'round
Hold your head above the ground and they won't bring you down
Anthem of the heart and anthem of the mind
A funeral dirge for eyes gone blind
We marvel after those who sought
Wonders in the world they wrought.
Live for yourself, there's no one else
More worth living for
Begging hands and bleeding hearts will
Only cry out for more
Well, I know they've always told you
Selfishness was wrong
Yet it was for me, not you, I
Came to write this song
The lyrics to Anthrax's "Anthem" convey a powerful message about individualism and self-acceptance. The opening lines "Know your place in life is where you want to be, Don't let them tell you that you owe it all to me" encourage listeners to believe in themselves and to not let other people dictate their lives. This message is reinforced with the lines "Live for yourself, there's no one else more worth living for, Begging hands and bleeding hearts will only cry out for more."
The lyrics also touch on the idea of cultural and scientific innovation. The lines "Anthem of the heart and anthem of the mind, A funeral dirge for eyes gone blind, We marvel after those who sought new wonders in the world" speak to the importance of seeking new knowledge and experiences in life. The reference to a "funeral dirge for eyes gone blind" suggests that society can become stuck in old ways of thinking, and that it is up to individuals to push boundaries and create new ideas and solutions.
Overall, the lyrics to "Anthem" encourage listeners to embrace their personal freedoms and to seek out new experiences and knowledge, while cautioning against the dangers of conformity and groupthink.
Line by Line Meaning
Know your place in life is where you want to be
Decide for yourself where you belong in life instead of letting others dictate it.
Don't let them tell you that you owe it all to me
Others shouldn't take credit for your success or tell you who to be grateful to.
Keep on looking forward; no use in looking 'round
Don't dwell on past mistakes or what others say about you, just keep moving forward.
Hold your head above the ground and they won't bring you down
Maintain confidence in yourself, and others won't be able to bring you down.
Anthem of the heart and anthem of the mind
There are two types of anthems: those that come from the heart and those that come from the mind.
A funeral dirge for eyes gone blind
A somber song mourning those who are no longer able to see the world's wonders.
We marvel after those who sought
We admire those who had the curiosity and drive to seek out new things in the world.
New wonders in the world, wonders in the world,
These explorers discovered the marvels of the world we live in.
Wonders in the world they wrought.
The explorers created their own marvels in the world.
Live for yourself, there's no one else
Live for your own happiness, because no one else can live your life for you.
More worth living for
Nothing is more valuable than your own happiness.
Begging hands and bleeding hearts will
People who constantly ask for help and show their emotions freely, sometimes at the expense of others.
Only cry out for more
Will continue asking for more help and support.
Well, I know they've always told you
People have likely tried to convince you that selfishness is wrong.
Selfishness was wrong
The idea that self-interest is wrong or immoral.
Yet it was for me, not you, I
However, the song is for my benefit, not yours.
Came to write this song
The writer felt compelled to write this song, likely about staying true to oneself.
Lyrics © OLE MEDIA MANAGEMENT LP
Written by: NEIL ELWOOD PEART, GARY LEE WEINRIB, ALEX ZIVOJINOVICH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dronehopper
Simply great.
Love it.
You've gotta do a Rush song for Rush Day on 21stDec, c'mon, please.
If you're not sure what I'm talking about please checkout our Rush Day channel videos to suss us out.
It was brilliant having you on board last year.
You think you're NOBODY'S HERO but your LESSONS bring TEARS of HOPE and DISCOVERY to many a (CAMERA) EYE and inspire me to be the BEST I CAN.
If there's a GHOST OF A CHANCE you'll FACE UP to the another request to do SOMETHING FOR NOTHING and RESIST letting TIME STAND STILL or allowing CIRCUMSTANCES to dictate WHAT YOU'RE DOING I'm sure that, IN THE END, you'd enjoy MAKING MEMORIES with us.
Choose FREEWILL, enjoy the LIMELIGHT being a PRIME MOVER in THE GARDEN of DIFFERENT STRINGS we cultivate ENTRE NOUS each RUSH DAY.
I hope you find a song in there you'd like to cover...Please.
Eric Gottlieb
I’ll admit I know little about Anthrax, but Anthem is not a song you decide to cover unless you have some serious chops. This is one of the most amazing Rush covers I’ve ever heard. The difficulty level of the vocals in this particular song (and lots of Rush tunes in general) is extremely high. In my opinion this singer gave an absolutely masterful performance. The playing was on point too. Way beyond my expectations! I’m happy to see those influenced by Rush perpetuating their music. May it be enjoyed by generations to come.
Helium Road
Takes balls to cover Rush, if you're going to do it you have to play it like you own it, and Anthrax pulled it off. Sounds fucking great. Plus they threw in that little cowbell riff from Passage to Bangkok at the end, nice shoutout to fellow Rush fans.
Mark A. McConaghy
Gotta respect any band that covers the Holy Trinity. Nicely done.
Mitchell
+Mark A. McConaghy i love how it still totally sounds like Anthrax too!
RnR Customs
Its a RUSH cover
Stephen Price
Mark A. McConaghy this smokin hot
Marcelo Peres
Certainly Sir
Greg Ghelfi
Holy Trinity... lol! You are correct.
Brian Reddish
I'm a huge fan of both Anthrax and Rush. Anthrax do a brilliant job on this song! I always knew what talented musicians the band are but this just nails that opinion in even further.
Ray Berube
Awesome version of a classic by RUSH. Neil Peart even gave it high marks, says something for the cover.Awesome job guys.