The band existed for almost a decade before mainstream success. The members met and played in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Secondary School under the name Pezz and remained underground in Toronto's indie music scene until 2001. The band renamed itself Billy Talent after running into legal trouble with the old name. It was then that Kowalewicz's connection with an employee of Warner Music Canada's A&R department landed the band a record deal and launched them into mainstream success. Since then, Billy Talent has made three multi-platinum records in Canada and continues to expand their success overseas; this included touring for 20 months supporting their second album. They released their third album, Billy Talent III, in 2009, and their fourth album, Dead Silence, in 2012. Dead Silence was followed up by a full UK tour throughout October and November 2012. To commemorate the longevity since the release of their first studio album, the band has released a greatest hits album entitled Hits in 2014. In 2015, they began to prepare material for their fifth studio album. Just before entering the studio, drummer Aaron Solowoniuk decided to sit out the recording sessions while he continued his longstanding battle with multiple sclerosis. Fellow Canadian Jordan Hastings was quickly recruited to play as Solowoniuk's studio stand-in, and, in early 2016, the group completed work on Afraid of Heights, which was released in July of that year. The band's most recent album is Crisis of Faith, released in January 2022.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Talent
Studio albums
Billy Talent (2003)
Billy Talent II (2006)
Billy Talent III (2009)
Dead Silence (2012)
Afraid of Heights (2016)
Crisis of Faith (2022)
Voice of Violence
Billy Talent Lyrics
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Your savior's reflected in the mirror
These flowers have grown from blood stains on the ground
Go rake the leaves off your grass and my grave
The fact is everyone bleeds when they shave
There's no use, so don't deny their just the same
We'll take it back (broken dagger, southern swagger)
We'll take it back (broken dagger, southern swagger)
Voice of violence, voices of violence
These cowboys will run off in the sun set
Once there toys have donned another profit
Back fire these smokin' guns will never rest
Unleash the skeletons from the closet
These strangers like friends that you've never met
They'll send them sympathies with a Hallmark card
We'll take it back (broken dagger, southern swagger)
Voices of violence, voices of violence
We'll take it back (broken dagger, southern swagger)
Voices of violence, voices of violence
Even after I'm dead and buried
I'll still remember, I'll still remember
Even after I'm dead and buried
I'll still remember, I'll still remember
Even after I'm dead and buried
I'll come back for fighting, I'll come back fighting!!
Voices of violence, voices of violence
We'll take it back (broken dagger, southern swagger)
Voices of violence, voices of violence
Voices of violence will always be heard
Voices of violence, voices of violence
Voices of violence will always be heard
Voices of violence, voices of violence
The lyrics of Billy Talent's song "Voice of Violence" are a call to action, urging the listener to take control of their life and not wait for someone else to save them. The image of a knight in shining armor is dismissed in favor of the idea that the listener's own reflection is their savior. The metaphor of flowers growing from blood stains on the ground suggests that beauty can emerge from painful and difficult circumstances.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the importance of reclaiming power and agency, a sentiment that is echoed in the lyrics "We'll take it back." The use of the phrase "broken dagger, southern swagger" adds a sense of defiance and rebelliousness to the song, further highlighting the idea of taking back control. The second verse is a commentary on capitalism and the idea that corporations will do whatever it takes to make a profit, even if it means running roughshod over individuals.
The repetition of "voices of violence" throughout the song serves as a reminder that there is power in speaking out against injustice and standing up for oneself. The final lines of the song, "Voices of violence will always be heard," suggest that there will always be those who are willing to fight against oppression and stand up for what is right.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't wait for a knight in shinin' armor
Don't wait for someone else to save you
Your savior's reflected in the mirror
Look to yourself for strength and courage
These flowers have grown from blood stains on the ground
Good things can come from difficult situations and struggles
Go rake the leaves off your grass and my grave
Take care of your responsibilities and don't ignore the problems around you
The fact is everyone bleeds when they shave
No one is invincible and everyone has weaknesses
There's no use, so don't deny their just the same
Everyone is equal and deserves to be treated with respect
We'll take it back (broken dagger, southern swagger)
We will reclaim what is rightfully ours
Voices of violence, voices of violence
There are those who are willing to use violence to achieve their goals
These cowboys will run off in the sun set
Those who use violence will eventually leave and move on
Once there toys have donned another profit
Those who use violence are only interested in personal gain and will move on to the next opportunity
Back fire these smokin' guns will never rest
Those who use violence will eventually suffer the consequences of their actions
Unleash the skeletons from the closet
Expose the hidden secrets and flaws of those who use violence
These strangers like friends that you've never met
Those who use violence may have hidden allies or partners
They'll send them sympathies with a Hallmark card
Even those who support violence may not fully understand the consequences of their actions
Even after I'm dead and buried
Even after death, one's legacy and impact can continue
I'll still remember, I'll still remember
One's memory and impact will be lasting
I'll come back for fighting, I'll come back fighting!!
The fight for justice and equality will continue even after death
Voices of violence will always be heard
The impact of those who use violence will always be felt
Voices of violence, voices of violence
The use of violence to achieve power and control is a recurring problem
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Aaron Solowoniuk, Ben Kowalewicz, Ian D'sa, Jon Gallant
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind