The band broke up in 2023 following sexual assault allegations against Sane and their social media accounts being deleted. Various sources close to the band state that the breakup was made exclusively by Sane, with the other band members being unaware of the allegations until after.
Turncoat
Anti-Flag Lyrics
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States lies dressed up as evening news
We're tired of lies we want the truth!
Brodcast by corpses courting you
We're tired of lies we want the truth!
Most people they will never know
With your or against you?
Then I am against you because you're a...
Turncoat! killer! liar! thief!
Criminal with protection of the law
Turncoat! killer! liar! thief!
Criminal with protection of the law
Anarchy father
Makes me want to
Douse myself in gasoline!
Civil servants fall in line for you
Too brainwashed to see the truth
You use anyone you can!
Turncoat! killer! liar! thief!
Criminal with protection of the law
Turncoat! killer! liar! thief!
Criminal with protection of the
Killer!
Liar!
A turncoat! and a thief!
Criminal with protection of the law!
Anti-Flag's song Turncoat is a scathing critique of the media, the government, and those in power who manipulate and deceive the public for their own interests. The song opens with the lines "State lies dressed up as evening news, we're tired of lies we want the truth!" which sets the tone for the rest of the song. The use of the word "state" implies that the lies are not just coming from individuals but from the entire system. The chorus then calls out those who have betrayed their principles and values, referring to them as "Turncoat! killer! liar! thief! Criminal with protection of the law." The song makes it clear that these individuals have the backing of the law and the system, which allows them to get away with their crimes.
The second verse seems to be directed towards civil servants who are too blinded by their loyalty to the system to see the truth. The line "Anarchy father makes me want to douse myself in gasoline!" is a potent and controversial statement that suggests a deep sense of frustration with the status quo. The song's overall message is that the public should not blindly trust the media, the government, or those in power, but instead should seek out the truth and hold those in power accountable for their actions.
Line by Line Meaning
States lies dressed up as evening news
We are bombarded with false information masquerading as news in the government-controlled media
We're tired of lies we want the truth!
We're tired of being misled by those in power and yearn for the truth to be revealed
Broadcast by corpses courting you
The media is controlled by lifeless institutions or people who want to win favor, at whatever cost, with those in power
Most people they will never know
The general public will never be aware of or refuse to believe the truth
With your or against you?
Do I have to pick a side?
Then I am against you because you're a...
If you are forcing me to choose a side, I am against you because you are a traitor
Turncoat! killer! liar! thief!
You are a treacherous and deceitful criminal who destroys lives and steals from the people sans consequences
Criminal with protection of the law
You exploit the legal system to protect yourself even when you are guilty of crimes
Anarchy father
The concept of anarchy that promotes chaos and destruction
Makes me want to douse myself in gasoline!
The mere thought of anarchy deeply disturbs me
Civil servants fall in line for you
Government workers blindly and unconditionally follow your orders
Too brainwashed to see the truth
Government workers are mentally modified so that they cannot appreciate or understand the truth
You use anyone you can!
Your are selfish and exploit anyone who stands in the way of your desires
Killer! Liar! A turncoat! and a thief!
You are a heartless criminal who will kill, deceive, and betray anyone including the masses
Criminal with protection of the law!
You hide behind the arm of the law to protect yourself while committing heinous crimes
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: CHRISTOPHER LEE BARKER, PATRICK C. BOLLINGER, JUSTIN CATHAL GEEVER, CHRISTOPHER MARK HEAD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind