Dance of the Dead
C.O.C.: Corrosion of Conformity Lyrics

You're dead
Addressing those who are spiritually dead, who have lost their will to fight the system that has imprisoned them.

Heard too much, know too much, don't know if I can take it
Feeling overwhelmed with the knowledge of the corruption and oppression inherent in the system.

If the system had one neck, you know I'd gladly break it
Expressing a desire to confront and destroy the oppressive system in its entirety.

They've got us where they want us - stuck in this sick romance
The system has manipulated us into believing that our oppression is acceptable and even necessary, creating a twisted dynamic of dependence and control.

They need no chain, it's in our brain
The system doesn't need physical constraints to keep us in line, as we have been conditioned to accept our oppression as inevitable and even desirable.

And we don't stand a chance
Acknowledge the overwhelming power differential between the individual and the system, making it hard to resist or rebel.

If we keep doing this deadly dance
If we continue to play along with the system instead of fighting it, we are in danger of losing our lives and minds to the oppression.

End this sick romance
An appeal to recognize the twisted and manipulative relationship with the system, and to break free from its control.

The dance of the dead
Metaphorically describing our participation in the oppressive system as a macabre dance with death.

It's all in my head
Acknowledging that our oppression is as much an internal struggle as an external one, as the system has deeply ingrained itself into our psyches and beliefs.

Know the deal, the way we feel, those of us who care
Acknowledging the shared feeling of despair and helplessness that comes from seeing the world's unfairness, and finding kinship with others who are similarly dissatisfied.

Constant pain, the endless rain becomes too much to bear
Describing the emotional and spiritual toll of being constantly exposed to the brutality and corruption of the system.

Feel the need to concede, pretend its all ok
Feeling the weight of the system's power and considering acquiescing to its demands, even if it means denying our own truth.

But the horror, today, tomorrow, will never ever go away
Despite the possibility of temporarily avoiding the pain of resistance, the horror of the system's oppression will continue indefinitely unless confronted.

If you give in to the deadly dance
Acknowledge that submitting to the system's oppression is a fatal mistake.

You've got to take that chance
Encouraging those who are hesitating to resist to seize the opportunity to fight back and secure their freedom.

Ain't got the time or peace of mind to deal with the likes of you
Refusal to engage with those who perpetuate the oppressive system, as their views and actions are seen as pure noise.

Your narrow views, your two-bit moves just tell me that you're through
Mocking those who contribute to the system, as their efforts are ultimately futile and self-serving.

The dance of the dead
Reiterating the destructive nature of our participation in the oppressive system.

Don't give in, live the sin, let them see the sight
Encouraging resistance against the system, even if it means breaking the laws and norms dictated by it, in order to stand up openly against it.

There's no answer in the end, fall or fight
Acknowledging that the path to freedom and justice will not be easy or clear, and encouraging action regardless of potential risks.

Keep in mind, that you'll find them standing in the way
Reminding those who resist that those who benefit from the system have a lot to lose, and will fight to maintain their power and control.

Run them down to the ground, make the guilty pay
Encouraging resistance to fully engage in the efforts to overthrow the system and hold those accountable who benefit from it at the expense of everyone else.

And there'll be no more deadly dance
The hope that resisting and fighting will put a permanent end to the oppression and control of the system.

End their idiot prance
Describing the current state of the system as a nonsensical and foolish dance, and encouraging its dismantlement.

The dance of the dead
Reiterating the destructive nature of our participation in the oppressive system.

The dance of the dead
Reiterating the destructive nature of our participation in the oppressive system.

Dead
Metaphorically describing the mindless and lifeless nature of the oppressed state.