Originally formed as a jazz fusion ensemble under the name Mind Power, Bad Brains developed a very fast and intense punk rock sound which came to be labeled "hardcore", and was often played faster and more emphatically than many of their peers. The unique factor of the band's music was the fact that they played more complex rhythms than other hardcore punk bands, also adapting diverse guitar styles into their songs.
Bad Brains have released nine studio albums (one of which is entirely composed of instrumental versions of their early material). The band broke up and reformed several times over the years, sometimes with different singers or drummers. Since 1994, the "classic" lineup of singer H.R. (Human Rights), guitarist Dr. Know, bassist Darryl Jenifer, and drummer Earl Hudson has reunited, albeit performing sporadically.
Discography:
• Bad Brains (1982)
• Rock for Light (1983)
• I Against I (1986)
• Quickness (1989)
• Rise (1993)
• God of Love (1995)
• I & I Survived (2002)
• Build a Nation (2007)
• Into the Future (2012)
• Mind Power (TBA)
Coming in Numbers
Bad Brains Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To divide and conquer was the plan
but there was one thing that they overlooked.
The masses and multitudes across this land.
Chorus:
Woe unto Babylon. We're comin' in numbers
and don't believe when they tell you this world is just for you.
Weak abandoned by your leader.
Now you stand alone.
Loser in a war waged against right.
Wasn't even a fight.
Chorus
Fight for your rights living in Babylon
and don't believe when they tell you this world is just for you.
It was a plot to take over.
To divide and conquer was the plan
but there was one thing they overlooked
the masses and multitudes across this land.
The song "Coming in Numbers" by Bad Brains speaks to the idea of oppression and the struggle for the masses to rise up against those in power. The lyrics suggest that there is a plot to divide and conquer, but this plan fails because of the power of the people. The chorus speaks to the idea that those in power, represented by Babylon, should fear the masses because they will come in numbers to fight against oppression.
The second verse suggests that the leaders who abandon the weak and oppressed will eventually fall and be alone in the struggle. The final lines of the song emphasize that the plot to take over will fail because of the masses and multitudes fighting for their rights across the land.
Overall, "Coming in Numbers" is a rallying cry for the oppressed to fight against those who seek to divide and conquer. It suggests that the power of the people will ultimately prevail against oppression and that unity is key in the fight for justice.
Line by Line Meaning
It was a plot to take over.
There was a nefarious scheme in place to gain complete control.
To divide and conquer was the plan
They intended to create discord and disunity in order to gain power.
but there was one thing that they overlooked.
Despite their efforts, they failed to take into account the vast number of people united against them.
Woe unto Babylon. We're comin' in numbers
Oh, how unfortunate for those in power in Babylon. The people will rise up in force.
Fight for your rights living in Babylon
Despite the oppression, it is important to stand up for what is right and just.
and don't believe when they tell you this world is just for you.
Those in power will try to convince you that the world revolves around them. Don't believe the lies.
Weak abandoned by your leader.
The leader who was supposed to protect and guide you has failed and left you vulnerable.
Now you stand alone.
You are left to fight for yourself and those around you.
Loser in a war waged against right.
Those who are against justice and equality will ultimately fail.
Wasn't even a fight.
Their defeat will be swift and decisive.
Woe unto Babylon. We're comin' in numbers
Oh, how unfortunate for those in power in Babylon. The people will rise up in force.
Fight for your rights living in Babylon
Despite the oppression, it is important to stand up for what is right and just.
and don't believe when they tell you this world is just for you.
Those in power will try to convince you that the world revolves around them. Don't believe the lies.
It was a plot to take over.
There was a nefarious scheme in place to gain complete control.
To divide and conquer was the plan
They intended to create discord and disunity in order to gain power.
but there was one thing they overlooked
Despite their efforts, they failed to take into account the vast number of people united against them.
Contributed by Anna Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Эволюционер
The drumming makes me want to jump into a burning mental asylum from a falling airplane.
Eric Genest
je suis peut-être le seul, mais c'est mon album préféré des bad brains. Bien produit, son clair, bons hardcore, bons reggaes. La dernière pièce était calme et mélancolique, très bonne, aussi..
Houdement Philippe
Mon morceau préféré des bad Brains : Breaks, calme et baston. Ca parle de ce qui nous attend. Ca chie, quoi P.H. ps : Babylon est perdue
duke earl
#TRiUMPh