The Righteous Ones
Ben Ivory Lyrics
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we are the cure, we are infected
we are the cracks you can’t repair
you are the righteous ones, you are the righteous ones
We are the freaks, we are the queers
we are the shockers, we are all here
there’s something coming, it’s in the air
You can close your eyes if you want to
lock your doors and hide if we haunt you
get your guns and knives if we scare you
but we ain’t goin’ nowhere, no, we ain’t goin’ nowhere
You can pass a law if you need to
punch us in the jaw when we beat you
use your shock and awe if you dare to
but we ain’t goin’ nowhere, no, we ain’t goin’ nowhere
We are the gods, we are the stars
we are the lovers who rule the arts
we are the nerds, we are the spark
you can’t deny us, you can’t deny us
You can close your eyes if you want to
lock your doors and hide if we haunt you
get your guns and knives if we scare you
but we ain’t goin’ nowhere, no, we ain’t goin’ nowhere
You can pass a law if you need to
punch us in the jaw when we beat you
use your shock and awe if you dare to
but we ain’t goin’ nowhere, no, we ain’t goin’ nowhere
We can turn the pleasure into suffering
do it under pressure when it’s happening
we can see the treasure inside everything
inside everything, inside everything
We can turn the pleasure into suffering
do it under pressure when it’s happening
we can see the treasure inside everything
inside everything, inside everything
You can close your eyes if you want to
lock your doors and hide if we haunt you
get your guns and knives if we scare you
but we ain’t goin’ nowhere, no, we ain’t goin’ nowhere
You can pass a law if you need to
punch us in the jaw when we beat you
use your shock and awe if you dare to
but we ain’t goin’ nowhere, no, we ain’t goin’ nowhere
We can turn the pleasure into suffering
do it under pressure when it’s happening
we can see the treasure inside everything
inside everything, inside everything
We can turn the pleasure into suffering
do it under pressure when it’s happening
we can see the treasure inside everything
inside everything
In "The Righteous Ones," Ben Ivory celebrates the beauty of diversity and individuality in the face of societal norms and expectations. The singer and the people they represent are the "strains," the "freaks," and the "queers" who challenge the status quo and exist outside of the "cracks" of conformity that make up the social fabric. Through their art, their love, and their passion, they reign supreme as "gods" and "stars" who cannot be denied or dismissed by the "righteous ones," those who believe they hold the moral high ground.
The lyrics warn those in power that their anger, hate, and violence will not deter the singer or their allies, who refuse to be silenced or erased. The lines "get your guns and knives if we scare you/but we ain't goin' nowhere" speak to the bravery and resilience of the marginalized, who refuse to be intimidated in the face of oppression. The repeated refrain of "you can close your eyes if you want to/lock your doors and hide if we haunt you" is both a taunt and a declaration of self-assurance, reminding the "righteous ones" that their prejudice and fear cannot erase the existence of those who differ from them.
Overall, "The Righteous Ones" is a powerful anthem for those who reject societal norms and refuse to conform to the expectations of others. It celebrates the beauty of humanity in all of its diversity and calls for acceptance and love in the face of hate and intolerance.
Line by Line Meaning
We are the strains, we are injected
We are the ones who suffer from society's expectations and are forced to conform.
we are the cure, we are infected
We are both the cause of and the solution to society's problems.
we are the cracks you can’t repair
We are the imperfections that can't be erased or fixed.
you are the righteous ones, you are the righteous ones
You are the ones who believe you are morally superior and entitled to judge us.
We are the freaks, we are the queers
We are the marginalized and misunderstood members of society.
we are the shockers, we are all here
We are the ones who challenge social norms and conventions, present and unafraid.
there’s something coming, it’s in the air
Change is happening, and it cannot be stopped.
You can close your eyes if you want to
You can ignore us and pretend we don't exist.
lock your doors and hide if we haunt you
You can hide from us because we scare you.
get your guns and knives if we scare you
You can resort to violence to protect yourself from us.
but we ain’t goin’ nowhere, no, we ain’t goin’ nowhere
We are here to stay, and our presence cannot be ignored or erased.
You can pass a law if you need to
You can try to legislate our existence away.
punch us in the jaw when we beat you
You can try to physically harm us when we pose a threat to your beliefs.
use your shock and awe if you dare to
You can use your power to intimidate and strike fear into our hearts.
We are the gods, we are the stars
We are the ones who make a mark and leave a lasting impact on society.
we are the lovers who rule the arts
We are the ones who create and inspire, shaping culture and society.
we are the nerds, we are the spark
We are the ones who innovate and bring new ideas to the table.
you can’t deny us, you can’t deny us
We are an undeniable force, and our presence cannot be ignored or erased.
We can turn the pleasure into suffering
We have the power to take something enjoyable and make it painful or uncomfortable.
do it under pressure when it’s happening
We often have to perform under intense scrutiny and criticism.
we can see the treasure inside everything
We have the ability to find value and worth in all aspects of life, even the seemingly insignificant or flawed.
inside everything, inside everything
This perspective is present in all facets of our lives and worldview.
Writer(s): Ali Payami, Alexander Erik Kronlund Copyright: Warner/Chappell Music Scandinavia AB
Contributed by Kayla A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.