Death March
Bad Breeding Lyrics
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built upon rotting stumps and phantom calls of freedom
Dog-whistled through nostalgia to guide and then to bend
your eyes beyond the headstones and graves of working men
And now you're pining for a glory that was never really there
doing dog's work and dazzled by the con
Slaughtered foot-soldiers in an artificial war
Onward lap dogs stutter laced with forlorn hope
Seduced by the rigours of their meritocracy
See there's winners and there's losers so work to be free
And now you're pining for a glory that was never really there
doing dog's work and dazzled by the con
Slaughtered foot-soldiers in an artificial war
lost to a death march
Every fibre stitched with scripted fantasy
while the scaffold of integrity is stripped beneath your feet
Dismembered and tormented, paraded through the street
A lifelong-sharpened knife dug in your own back
Another story told on drunken talk of valour
And all for what? Her Majesty's Fame
And all for what? Northcliffe's gain
Treasured displays of untold sacrifice
adorn the piercing quiet of an emptying town
The lyrics of "Death March" by Bad Breeding are a critique of societal illusions and false narratives that manipulate and exploit individuals. The song begins by referencing the "Raleigh glare," symbolizing the deceptive allure and glamor of the past, particularly in the halls of history. However, the foundation upon which this history is built is described as rotting stumps and phantom calls of freedom, suggesting that the supposed glory of the past is empty and disconnected from reality.
The lyrics then delve into the manipulation of nostalgia, with references to dog-whistling and guiding people's attention beyond the struggles and sacrifices of working-class individuals. The song accuses those who romanticize the past of being blinded by a false sense of glory that was never truly there. They are portrayed as doing the bidding of those in power and being dazzled by their manipulation.
The reference to foot-soldiers in an artificial war further emphasizes the idea that people are being led astray, sacrificing their lives and wellbeing for causes that are manufactured and serve the interests of those in power.
The second part of the song introduces the concept of a meritocracy seducing individuals with the promise that hard work will lead to freedom. However, the lyrics suggest that this notion is flawed, as there are winners and losers, and the pursuit of meritocracy only perpetuates inequality.
The final lines depict the disintegration of integrity and the harsh reality faced by those who have been exploited and used for others' gain. The metaphor of a lifelong-sharpened knife dug in one's own back highlights the betrayal experienced by individuals who believed in the narratives fed to them.
Overall, "Death March" criticizes the manipulation of history, nostalgia, and meritocracy, shedding light on the illusions that lead individuals to sacrifice themselves for empty promises.
Line by Line Meaning
Blinded by that Raleigh glare in the staged halls of history
Unable to see the truth due to the deceptive allure of glorified narratives and propaganda
built upon rotting stumps and phantom calls of freedom
Constructed on a foundation of decay and hollow promises of liberty
Dog-whistled through nostalgia to guide and then to bend
Manipulated by appealing to sentimental feelings in order to influence and control
your eyes beyond the headstones and graves of working men
Redirecting your attention away from the struggles and sacrifices of common laborers
And now you're pining for a glory that was never really there
Longing for a greatness that never truly existed
doing dog's work and dazzled by the con
Engaged in menial tasks while being deceived and impressed by the deceitful scheme
Slaughtered foot-soldiers in an artificial war
Casualties of a manufactured conflict
lost to a death march
Defeated and exhausted by a relentless and harmful journey
Onward lap dogs stutter laced with forlorn hope
Advancing obediently with a faint glimmer of hope but ultimately in despair
Seduced by the rigours of their meritocracy
Enticed by the demands and falsehoods of their supposed system of merit-based advancement
See there's winners and there's losers so work to be free
Recognize the existence of those who succeed and those who fail, and strive for freedom through labor
Every fibre stitched with scripted fantasy
Every aspect of your being imbued with fabricated illusions
while the scaffold of integrity is stripped beneath your feet
Simultaneously, your moral principles and values are being disregarded and eroded
Dismembered and tormented, paraded through the street
Physically and emotionally dismembered, subjected to torment, and publicly humiliated
A lifelong-sharpened knife dug in your own back
Betrayed by your own actions or decisions, causing immense pain and regret
Another story told on drunken talk of valour
Another tale fabricated and exaggerated during intoxicated discussions about bravery
And all for what? Her Majesty's Fame
And what is the purpose of it all? To gain recognition and glory for the ruling monarch
And all for what? Northcliffe's gain
And what is the purpose of it all? To benefit the interests and profits of a media mogul
Treasured displays of untold sacrifice
Highly valued exhibitions of unspoken acts of selflessness
adorn the piercing quiet of an emptying town
Gracefully decorate the haunting silence of a town gradually losing its inhabitants
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Angus Stewart, Ashlea Bennett, Charlie Rose, Christopher Dodd
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind