The band shares a name with both the 1953 speech by American president Dwight D. Eisenhower and a song from Yorke's debut solo album The Eraser. On their website, under their name, is the phrase "Nerth Nuclerek? Na Vynnav" which is in the Cornish language and can be translated as Nuclear Power? No Thanks. This is the text from the Smiling Sun anti nuclear power logo, which has been translated into at least 49 languages, including Cornish.
Thom Yorke has stated that the members of Atoms for Peace bonded over a shared love of the music of afrobeat, and said in an interview that the debut album was "the product of getting together, getting wasted and listening to Fela Kuti."
http://www.atomsforpeace.info
Magic Beanz
Atoms for Peace Lyrics
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The devil dancing in the morning
None of this is ever gonna end?????????
Even on a whisper in the wind
None of this is ever going away
Better soon pay up??????
To the next one
Is what you are
Murdering the crows??????????
Pay us what you owe
None of this is ever gonna end
The entire song is a depiction of a broken society that is ruled by corrupt officials and demonic forces. The first line, "None of this is ever gonna end" is a statement that suggests that the situation is hopeless and there is no escape from it. The devil dancing in the morning can be interpreted as a symbolic representation of corruption and evil thriving in broad daylight without any fear of punishment. The line "Even on a whisper in the wind" suggests that the voices of the people opposing the corruption are weak and insignificant, and they can easily be ignored.
The line "None of this is ever going away" implies that the corruption is ingrained in the system, and it will persist until the end of time. "Better soon pay up" can be interpreted as a warning to the people in power that they need to take responsibility for their actions and pay for the damage they have caused to the society. The next line "To the next one" indicates that the cycle of corruption and exploitation will continue with the next generation of officials.
The lines "Parliament of owls, murdering the crows pay us what you owe" suggest that the people in power are predatory and ruthless, represented by the owls who are killing off the crows, who symbolize the common people. This line is a demand for justice and reparations for the damages done to the society by the corrupt officials.
Line by Line Meaning
None of this is ever gonna end
The struggles and problems we face in life may seem never-ending and persistent.
The devil dancing in the morning
Tragedies and problems may come at any time, even unexpectedly in the morning when everything seems calm and peaceful.
None of this is ever gonna end?????????
Reiterating the fact that the challenges and obstacles in our lives may seem endless and insurmountable.
Even on a whisper in the wind
Even the faintest of whispers or signs can reveal the truth about a situation or problem.
None of this is ever going away
Emphasizing that the problems we face cannot simply be ignored or pushed aside, but rather need to be dealt with.
Better soon pay up??????
Suggesting that it is better to tackle problems sooner rather than later and to take responsibility for one's actions.
To the next one
Acknowledging that there will always be new obstacles or challenges to face in the future.
Is what you are
Accepting the reality of one's situation and identity, and embracing it to move forward.
Parliament of owls
Referring to a group of wise or knowledgeable individuals who have the ability to see through the darkness and find solutions.
Murdering the crows?????????
Metaphorically describing the process of eliminating or solving problems and obstacles.
Pay us what you owe
Taking responsibility for one's actions and facing the consequences, whatever they may be.
Contributed by Isabella H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.