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 Prisoner
D.O.A. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Government building site much too small
These tiny boxes won't let me out
These tiny boxes are too remote
It's a screaming mess
Television city dream
Your robot's eyes gleam
Yeah hey!
It's not fate or chance
It's the money in the bank
Burn their timber and gather their bricks
Drive'em into the fire, the bloody dicks
It's a screaming mess
And I am the prisoner
The prisoner, the prisoner
Go!
It's not fate or chance
Kick somebody in the face
Burn their timber and gather their bricks
Drive'em into the fire, the bloody dicks
It's a screaming mess
Television city dream
Your robot's eyes gleam
In my future dream
And I am the prisoner
The prisoner, the prisoner
Well I am the prisoner
The prisoner, the prisoner
The prisoner!
The lyrics to D.O.A.'s song "The Prisoner" speak to the feeling of being trapped in a small space, whether it be an apartment, government building, or even just a tiny box. The singer feels like they are being confined and restricted in some way, unable to break free from their surroundings. They describe this confinement as a "screaming mess" and contrast it with the dream of a Television City, where robots with gleaming eyes inhabit their future.
The chorus of the song is a call to action, urging the listener to take control of their situation and make a change. They reject the idea of fate or chance, instead suggesting that it's all about the money in the bank. The lyrics then take a darker turn, encouraging listeners to burn and destroy, driving their oppressors into the fire. The final repetition of the chorus reinforces the singer's sense of captivity, declaring "Well I am the prisoner."
Overall, the song speaks to the frustration and despair that can come from feeling trapped and powerless in a situation, as well as the desire to take control and fight back against those who would oppress us.
Line by Line Meaning
Apartment walls, halls are small
The living space is cramped and claustrophobic.
Government building site much too small
The workplace is limited and inadequate for the work being done.
These tiny boxes won't let me out
The physical spaces are confining and restrictive.
These tiny boxes are too remote
The physical spaces are isolated and disconnected.
It's a screaming mess
The situation is chaotic and out of control.
Television city dream
The media creates a false reality for people.
Your robot's eyes gleam
People are becoming more and more disconnected from reality and human emotions, instead becoming like robots or machines.
In my future dream
The artist's vision of the future is not a positive one.
Yeah hey!
An exclamation to punctuate the artist's frustration.
It's not fate or chance
The situation is not due to luck, but rather the result of an intentional system of control.
It's the money in the bank
The root of the problem lies in capitalism and the control of resources.
Burn their timber and gather their bricks
Revolutionary action is necessary to dismantle the oppressive system.
Drive'em into the fire, the bloody dicks
The oppressed should not be afraid to take violent action against their oppressors.
Kick somebody in the face
The elite must be overthrown, even if it requires violence.
And I am the prisoner
The singer feels trapped and powerless within this system.
The prisoner, the prisoner
Repeating the phrase emphasizes the artist's feeling of being trapped.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: C. KEITHLEY, JOSEPH KEITHLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
JJPtoxic
Apartment walls, halls are small
Government building site much too small
These tiny boxes won't let me out
These tiny boxes are too remote
It's a screaming mess
Television city dream
Your robot's eyes gleam
In my future dream
Yeah hey!
It's not fate or chance
It's the money in the bank
Burn their timber and gather their bricks
Drive'em into the fire, the bloody dicks
It's a screaming mess
And I am the prisoner
The prisoner, the prisoner
Go!
It's not fate or chance
Kick somebody in the face
Burn their timber and gather their bricks
Drive'em into the fire, the bloody dicks
It's a screaming mess
Television city dream
Your robot's eyes gleam
In my future dream
And I am the prisoner
The prisoner, the prisoner
Well I am the prisoner
The prisoner, the prisoner
The prisoner!
Shrewgy
God, these guys had so much energy back in 80-81 when they would come through San Francisco. One of my all time faves! Nice fellas to boot!
fucu
Yeah man
gman1868
One of the best punk songs ever
Ben Daly
I'm so happy I'm delving into hardcore punk in 22. Finding kickass bands like this.
Ben Daly
Jonathan Armstrong Thanks man! Getting myself an electric guitar for my 44th Bday later this month.
SuperFaN
Saw these guys so many times, they saw us in a huge line to get in a show in staten island NY,Chuck grabbed my shirt to look at the tag , I had a DOA DESTROY TRADITION on , said where the F did you get this ??? I said fucking pier records Newport Beach CA , he said fuck yeah it ain't no bootleg come with us lol , we walked past hundreds with the band right in the front door grabbed lots of beer lol , SSD decontrol, Jerry's kids 🤣, DKs, Circle Jerks, all of the bands shredded it was INSANE
fucu
Something better change. Hardcore 81 buy them.
Ben Daly
@fucu Hardcore 81 is a great album alright
Ben Daly
@SuperFaN Loooove the Cjs
Massimo Ronald
Great song, I loved it very much !!!