In 2010, Channel Zero made a widely noted comeback. At the request of fans, they played six reunion concerts in Brussels which quickly sold-out. They also released a new single. They are also scheduled to play at Graspop Metal Meeting (Dessel). In January 2010, Channel Zero features a slightly different line-up: Mikey Doling (ex-Soulfly, ex-SNOT) replaces Xavier Carion on lead guitar, since the latter suffers from ear damage.
Big Now
Channel Zero Lyrics
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Visually, before they start worrying
About the problems that they refuse to see
As non-existent or overrated newspaper announcements
How many kids aged around 14 know what a condom looks like
Desire scores higher rates than self-protection
I share, this idea must tell, that AIDS has to be taken
Out of the silence in which it sneaks
Look at you. You're big now
Adolescence conflict. You're big now
Spring time, roll the drums
Their new shoes are ready for the first steps
Middle finger in the air
They don't care what's wrong on this big ball
One thing we seem to forget
Were we better in our teens ? NO!
You're big now !
So we fall and stand up for the struggle of life
We learn the law of body communication
We don't know how to react
And tell me, who did ? When they were doing it for the first time
Then be careful where you go
This disease is searching for victims
This brand new pesticide
Is already reigning outrageous
So be, be aware
Play it safe and forsee addiction
You can make love, not war
Don't let it come that far
That AIDS is the one who's outliving
Expectations of a certain life style
Do you agree when decisions are taken for you
Married, children, tradition, prove you're big now
Married, children, tradition, and how do you feel now ?
So tell me, how do you feel
So we fall and stand up for the struggle of life
We learn the law of body communication
We don't know how to react
Who did ? When they were doing it for the first time
Look at you. You're big now
Adolescence conflict. You're big now
The lyrics of Channel Zero's song "Big Now" tackle a number of pressing social issues, particularly in relation to the dangerous complacency which can be seen among young people in our society. It seems that many young people have become desensitized to the problems of the world, only willing to engage once they have been visually confronted. The problem with this is that some issues, such as AIDS, are not so easy to spot, and by the time a young person is forced to confront them it may already be too late. As a result, the call to action from the lyrics is to take AIDS and other silent killers out of the silence in which they operate and bring them into the public consciousness.
The song also attempts to invoke the restless, rebellious spirit of adolescence, using the metaphor of new shoes to represent the endless possibilities of youth. The lyrics describe how young people have always rebelled against their elders and sought to leave their mark on the world, but that to some extent, every generation feels that the younger ones are failing to meet expectations. The final line of the song, "Adolescence conflict. You're big now.", serves as a reminder that despite everything, we are all products of our upbringing and the societal pressures which have been placed upon us.
Line by Line Meaning
Nowadays people have to be confronted
Visually, before they start worrying
About the problems that they refuse to see
As non-existent or overrated newspaper announcements
People are more likely to care about issues when they can see them. They tend to ignore issues that they can't see or that are presented as unimportant.
How many kids aged around 14 know what a condom looks like
Desire scores higher rates than self-protection
I share, this idea must tell, that AIDS has to be taken
Out of the silence in which it sneaks
Teens prioritize sexual pleasure over safe sex, leading to risky behavior. The song emphasizes the need to speak up about AIDS and promote safe sex education.
Look at you. You're big now
Adolescence conflict. You're big now
The song addresses the struggles of adolescence and growing up, and how these struggles shape one's beliefs and behaviors.
Spring time, roll the drums
Their new shoes are ready for the first steps
Middle finger in the air
They don't care what's wrong on this big ball
One thing we seem to forget
Were we better in our teens ? NO!
The song reflects on the carefree nature of youth, but also acknowledges that youth is not perfect and that there are struggles associated with it.
So we fall and stand up for the struggle of life
We learn the law of body communication
We don't know how to react
And tell me, who did ? When they were doing it for the first time
Life is a struggle and we make mistakes as we navigate it. We learn to communicate through our bodies, but we don't always know how to react to new experiences.
Then be careful where you go
This disease is searching for victims
This brand new pesticide
Is already reigning outrageous
So be, be aware
Play it safe and forsee addiction
You can make love, not war
Don't let it come that far
That AIDS is the one who's outliving
The song warns about the dangers of AIDS and the need to practice safe sex to prevent its spread. It emphasizes the importance of being aware and making responsible choices.
Expectations of a certain life style
Do you agree when decisions are taken for you
Married, children, tradition, prove you're big now
Married, children, tradition, and how do you feel now ?
So tell me, how do you feel
Society often imposes expectations on individuals regarding marriage and family, but it's important for each person to consider their own feelings and desires. The song challenges the listener to reflect on whether they are making choices for themselves or following societal norms.
Contributed by Elizabeth V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Aster Ysewijn
@nicoja007 nice! :p