D.O.A. has always maintained an uncompromising leftist political stance. The band is known for its outspoken political opinions and has a history of performing for many causes and benefits. Its slogan is "Talk minus Action equals Zero." The band has been active on many issues, including anti-racism, anti-globalization, freedom of speech, and the environment.
The Living Dead
D.O.A. Lyrics
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The lyrics of D.O.A.'s song The Living Dead are a commentary on the dehumanization and loss of individuality in society. The opening lines suggest a sense of hopelessness and despair, with the singer feeling lost and confused in a world that seems to be falling apart. The reference to the natural world reclaiming its space suggests a sense of chaos and disorder, and the line "for me there's no release" implies a sense of being trapped in this world.
The chorus of the song refers to the idea of people being turned into mindless entities, stripped of their humanity and individuality. The line "taken from the infirmary and make 'em just like you and me" suggests a sense of conformity, with everyone being made the same through some kind of medical intervention. The idea of a "stripmine" of the human soul further reinforces the theme of dehumanization, with people being reduced to mere commodities.
The final lines of the song suggest a sense of resignation, with the singer willing to pay any price to save the world as long as they are not directly involved. The repetition of the phrase "staring vacantly, sex, death, and t.v. ads" throughout the song underscores the idea of mindless consumption and distraction from the realities of the world.
Line by Line Meaning
There's something gone.
Something is missing or absent.
nothing left, no faith.
There is nothing remaining, no belief or trust.
my head is dazed, twisted and confused.
I am disoriented and uncertain, my thoughts are muddled.
everything seems crazed.
Everything feels chaotic or manic.
sun & rain, wind & time.
Nature, represented by the elements, has taken away its peace.
have taken back their peace.
The natural world has reclaimed its tranquility.
i stand alongside the enemy.
I find myself in league with those who oppose me.
for me there's no release.
I am trapped and cannot escape.
chorus: taken from the infirmary and make 'em just like you and me. stripmine my human soul. and leave a lifeless entity. life living dead we fill the streets.
The chorus speaks of forcibly converting others into mindless beings, or feeling like a lifeless creature wandering the streets among others who are the same.
staring vacantly.
Looking blankly or without emotion.
sex, death and t.v. ads.
These three themes dominate and numb daily existence.
disconnected from reality.
Feeling removed or disengaged from the true nature of life.
circuits in my head. programmed and replaced.
A metaphor for the way in which technology and media have re-wired or altered one's thought processes.
stimulate my new world joy. watch me stuff my face
Finding pleasure in material comforts and indulgence.
and what it's worth, to save this world. less and less it seems indeed.
The value of preserving the planet appears to be dwindling over time.
just tell me i'll pay any price as long as you don't involve me.
The artist is indifferent or apathetic, but willing to buy their way out of unpleasant situations.
Contributed by Skyler T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.