Origins
Arkan Lyrics

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[Es Selamun Aleykum]
Soiling our land with impunity unfair
Disdain, conceit, like they just don't care
Dishonored but knees not down
Be aware of the countdown
One foot in the grave
Heaven's gates for the brave
This time I feel it, I've gotta live it

I see no peace through this battlefield
This breed didn't deserve what it owns
Shame engraved on their tombstones
Rancor makes our blood boil
Contempt and offense under the gun
The ghost of violence grows and obfuscates
I think I am insane, I'm sure we are insane
In our veins, in our brains
In our hearts, in our lives
Survival, violence grows in this disorder, pressure
The war is on the verge of breaking out
This time I feel it, I've gotta live it
I see no peace through this battlefield
[Arabic singing]

Turn your eyes one towards the other,
Deny the bound state

Overall Meaning

The opening line of the song "Es Selamun Aleykum" is an Islamic greeting meaning "peace be upon you." However, the rest of the lyrics paint a picture of a land that is being disrespected and disregarded by outsiders. The singer expresses disgust with the way these outsiders are soiling the land with their arrogance and disrespect. Despite being dishonored, the people of the land refuse to kneel in submission. Instead, they are aware of the countdown to the impending conflict and stand ready to defend their land.

The lyrics go on to describe the violence and hostility that continue to grow within the people. The singer acknowledges that this violence is taking a toll on their mental and emotional states. Yet, it has become an ingrained aspect of their lives and is now synonymous with survival. The war that is about to break out is seen as inevitable, and the singer passionately declares that they must live through it. Overall, the song is a call to action, urging people to stand up against oppression and defend what is rightfully theirs.

Line by Line Meaning

Soiling our land with impunity unfair
Our land is being dirtied by those who act with no fear of consequences or justice.

Disdain, conceit, like they just don't care
These disrespectful and arrogant individuals act with complete disregard for the negative impact they have on others.

Dishonored but knees not down
Although we have been dishonored by these individuals, we refuse to submit and give in to their oppressive ways.

Be aware of the countdown
We need to be alert and ready for what is to come, as the situation is quickly escalating towards a breaking point.

One foot in the grave
The danger and threat we face from these individuals is very real, and we are one step away from being buried and forgotten.

Heaven's gates for the brave
Those who stand up against injustice and oppression will be rewarded in the afterlife for their bravery and courage.

This time I feel it, I've gotta live it
The urgency and severity of the situation has become more clear and tangible, and we must take action and live out our beliefs.

I see no peace through this battlefield
The current state of our society and its issues have left us with no chance of finding true peace or resolution, instead being trapped in a never-ending fight.

This breed didn't deserve what it owns
The individuals causing harm and destruction have not earned or deserved the power and influence they possess.

Shame engraved on their tombstones
The legacy and memory of these individuals will be forever marked by the shame and disgrace of their actions.

Rancor makes our blood boil
The anger and bitterness we feel towards these individuals fuels our passion and determination to fight against them.

Contempt and offense under the gun
The disregard and disrespect shown to us by these individuals is constantly threatening and harmful to our wellbeing.

The ghost of violence grows and obfuscates
The threat and potential for violent conflict looms over us, overshadowing any hopes of finding a peaceful resolution.

I think I am insane, I'm sure we are insane
The overwhelming stress and pressure of the situation has left us feeling like we are losing our minds and ability to reason.

In our veins, in our brains
The negative impact of this situation is rooted in both our physical bodies and mental state.

In our hearts, in our lives
The chaos and disorder caused by these individuals has infiltrated all aspects of our lives, leaving a lasting impact on our emotional wellbeing.

Survival, violence grows in this disorder, pressure
As the situation continues to deteriorate, the threat of violence and potential for destruction only increases, leaving us in a constant state of survival mode.

The war is on the verge of breaking out
The tension and hostility between opposing sides has reached its breaking point, and a violent conflict seems unavoidable.

Turn your eyes one towards the other,
We must turn towards each other and unite, rather than continuing to divide and fight amongst ourselves.

Deny the bound state
We must refuse to remain trapped and oppressed in this current state, and instead work towards creating a better future for all.

[Arabic singing]
This line does not have a clear, direct meaning, but instead adds a cultural and musical element to the song.

Contributed by Anthony H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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