Band members:
Kevin Sharp – vocals (1990–2014)
Dan Lilker – bass (1990–2014)
Brent "Gurn" McCarty – guitar (1990–1998)
Richard Hoak – drums (1994–2014)
Scott Lewis – drums (1990–1993)
Jody Roberts – guitars (2006–2007)
Erik Burke – guitars (2007–2013)
Dan O'Hare – guitars (2013–2014)
Discography:
• Extreme Conditions Demand Extreme Responses (1992)
• Need to Control (1994)
• Kill Trend Suicide (1996)
• Sounds of the Animal Kingdom (1997)
• Evolution Through Revolution (2009)
• End Time (2011)
Lifer
Brutal Truth Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know -- the ruthless sacrifice
I know -- that broken toys explode
You know -- I'll never compromise
Born into -- smashing divisions
Religious conviction in lime
Moral repression depression
Your reason for breaking the heart and your mind
Usurp the beliefs of last few who cry
Fucking tourist start your drive to mundane existence
This lifer could give a fuck
If you had your own opinion
The lyrics to Brutal Truth's song Lifer are packed with meaning and trenchant observations about the human experience. The first lines, "I know--the policies of war/I know--the ruthless sacrifice/I know--that broken toys explode/You know--I'll never compromise," speak to the brutal reality of war and the way it necessitates sacrifice and destruction. The use of the phrase "broken toys" as a metaphor for the victims of war is particularly poignant, as it paints a picture of innocent people caught in the crossfire. The singer's assertion that they will never compromise suggests a steadfast commitment to their beliefs, no matter the cost.
The next lines, "Born into--smashing divisions/Religious conviction in lime/Moral repression depression/Our cattle are starting to drive," continue to explore themes of conflict and repression. The image of "smashing divisions" speaks to the deep-seated divides that exist both between individuals and within society as a whole. The reference to "religious conviction in lime" is more ambiguous, but could be interpreted as a commentary on the way religious institutions can manipulate and control people. Finally, the reference to "our cattle" suggests a sense of powerlessness and subservience, as though people are being herded like animals.
Taken as a whole, the lyrics to Lifer are a scathing indictment of the forces that shape our lives and our world. Through visceral imagery and searing commentary, Brutal Truth forces us to confront the ugly truths of our existence, and to question the assumptions and beliefs that we have been taught to accept.
Line by Line Meaning
I know -- the policies of war
I have knowledge of the strategies and plans involved in war
I know -- the ruthless sacrifice
I am aware of the merciless surrender that war demands
I know -- that broken toys explode
I understand that things which are already damaged usually have a greater likelihood of malfunctioning
You know -- I'll never compromise
You are aware that I will never give in or make concessions
Born into -- smashing divisions
I was brought into a world where conflicting opinions and values are being put in force
Religious conviction in lime
Religious beliefs have taken root even among lime (calcium carbonate)
Moral repression depression
The suppression of moral values leads to a feeling of hopelessness and sadness
Our cattle are starting to drive
People are becoming docile and compliant like cattle
Your reason for breaking the heart and your mind
Your motivation for causing emotional pain and mental turmoil
Usurp the beliefs of last few who cry
Taking over the lasting ideologies of those who suffer in silence
Fucking tourist start your drive to mundane existence
People who are aimlessly following the popular trend are being told to begin their boring, unremarkable lives
This lifer could give a fuck
The artist does not care about common societal norms and expectations
If you had your own opinion
If you truly had your independent thoughts and beliefs
Contributed by Thomas I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.