Their first, eponymously-titled mini album was the first release ever of Berlin-based label Machinery, its title track becoming one of the most frequently played titles in Northern Europe. They continued their collaboration with Jor Rosen's label, in time releasing 6 singles and 3 albums until the label was acquired and later dissolved by new management.
In 1997 they signed with Polydor, but after one album (Dehumanizer) that partnership ended - clearly the dark electronic sound didn't fit in with Polydor's dance-label What's Up ?!. On Dehumanizer the band was briefly joined by Norbert Drescher (aka Norri) as drummer.
2001 saw the release of their latest album, Schlafende Energie, on Synthetic Symphony. According to their homepage (2008), they have a new album finished. They are just shopping around for a new label to master, press and distribute it.
Dance Or Die are a popular (at least in Central and Northern Europe) band that span many musical genres. Cold techno sound meets deep goth voice (vocalist Gary Wagner even sings as guest on other artist's records, as on "Take Some More" by And One) form a perfect ground for the cyber-themed lyrics about life in the machine age.
Their albums were thus appropriately named:
-3001 for the future.
-Psychoburbia for the psychotic nature of modern suburbia.
-Everspring for the spring of a watch and life being bound within the artificial boundaries of mankind's inventions (time).
-Dehumanizer for what modern society does to individuals. (Though it may have been named after the album of Black Sabbath, whose song "Black Sabbath" Dance Or Die did cover on Psychoburbia.)
-Schlafende Energie (literally: sleeping energy) is a term coined by German television series Raumpatrouille and means an energy reserve, but it was used for its potency.
Dance Or Die are members of a media collective called Clan of Nihil. For some American versions of their records, they were renamed Do Or Die by their label Machinery.
Purgatory
Dance or Die Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Pay for your death
Religion is money
Control takes your breath
The man in the middle
You got to ignore
Be something better
Be something more
The ball of confusion
Will be sold out
Too much pollution
Another burnout
Mix up the cultures
Call it a game
Believe in their money
That is the aim
Everyone is equal
Everyone is the same
Consumption is reason
Property the name
From the high above
To the underneath
We are here to stay
We come to make a day
That`s the will of god
That will be their lot
The Purgatory waits
For them to burn in hell
Give us a new drug
To play in this life
Wait for the future
In trouble and strife
The man in the middle
You got to ignore
Be something better
Be something more
Give us a safe place
We got to relax
Filled up with ego
We pay for our sex
Give us a new drug
To play in this life
Wait for the future
In trouble and strife
Everyone is equal
Everyone is the same
Consumption is the reason
Property the name
Don`t let them in their life
Don`t let rule your land
The Purgatory waits
For them to burn in hell
The lyrics in Dance or Die's song Purgatory touches on various themes such as religion, control, pollution, and consumption. The first verse, "Look back in anger, pay for your death, religion is money, control takes your breath, the man in the middle, you got to ignore, be something better, be something more," seems to be criticizing organized religion and those who are controlled by it. The singer suggests that we should strive to be better than those in power and to ignore those who try to hold us back.
The second verse, "The ball of confusion, will be sold out, too much pollution, another burnout, mix up the cultures, call it a game, believe in their money, that is the aim," touches on societal issues such as pollution and cultural assimilation. The singer seems to be suggesting that society is becoming too homogenized and focused on material possessions.
The chorus, "Everyone is equal, everyone is the same, consumption is reason, property the name, from the high above, to the underneath, we are here to stay, we come to make a day, that's the will of god, that will be their lot, the Purgatory waits, for them to burn in hell," seems to be conveying the message that society is hypocritical and contradictory.
Overall, Dance or Die's Purgatory seems to be a call to action to break free from societal expectations and to strive for something greater.
Line by Line Meaning
Look back in anger
Reflect on past injustices with intense feelings of anger and frustration
Pay for your death
Account for and face the consequences of your actions and decisions in life, particularly those that ultimately lead to your demise
Religion is money
Many religious institutions and practices are motivated by financial gain and control, rather than spiritual enlightenment or moral guidance
Control takes your breath
Being under constant surveillance, manipulation, and restriction can suffocate and stifle one's individuality and personal growth
The man in the middle
The figure or group in a position of power or influence between opposing sides or interests, often looking out for their own interests instead of those they represent or govern
You got to ignore
Avoid letting the man in the middle dictate your beliefs, actions, or values, and instead rely on your own judgment and conscience
Be something better
Strive towards self-improvement and progress, whether it be moral, intellectual, or creative
Be something more
Challenge yourself to expand beyond your comfort zone and reach your full potential as an individual and member of society
The ball of confusion
The complex, confusing, and often contradictory nature of contemporary life and culture, particularly with regards to socio-political and economic issues
Will be sold out
The ball of confusion is packaged, marketed, and sold to the masses, often perpetuating rather than solving issues
Too much pollution
The overwhelming and detrimental impact of human activity and progress on the environment and natural resources
Another burnout
An individual or society reaching a point of exhaustion, apathy, or collapse from trying to keep up with unrealistic or unsustainable expectations or lifestyles
Mix up the cultures
The blending and blurring of different cultural identities, practices, and values together in a way that can both enrich and dilute them
Call it a game
Society often treats cultural diversity and identity as a superficial and interchangeable form of entertainment or spectacle, rather than as something to respect and preserve
Believe in their money
Many people and institutions prioritize money and material wealth above all else, leading to corruption, greed, and exploitation
That is the aim
The pursuit of money and profit underlies many actions, decisions, and policies of those in power or control
Everyone is equal
All individuals are fundamentally equal in worth, dignity, and rights, regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances
Everyone is the same
All individuals share common humanity and struggles, and should be treated with empathy and respect despite their differences
Consumption is reason
The desire for material goods and instant gratification often drives and justifies the actions and priorities of individuals and society
Property the name
The ownership and control of property and resources is considered a defining aspect of success, power, and status, regardless of societal or environmental impact
From the high above
Those in power or authority, often disconnected from the realities and struggles of those they govern or lead
To the underneath
The marginalized, oppressed, and undervalued members of society, often hidden or ignored by those in power
We are here to stay
All individuals and communities have a right to exist, participate, and contribute to society regardless of their background or circumstances
We come to make a day
People seek to make a positive impact and change in their lives and communities, striving towards a better future
That`s the will of god
A belief in a higher power or purpose that guides and inspires individuals to pursue goodness and justice
That will be their lot
Those who prioritize materialism and selfish gain will eventually face negative consequences or judgement
The Purgatory waits
A metaphorical state of temporary punishment or purification, often associated with religious or moral beliefs
For them to burn in hell
Those who act against moral or ethical values will face consequences or judgement in the afterlife or in society
Give us a new drug
Individuals often seek escapes or solutions to their problems and struggles through technology, entertainment, or other forms of consumption
To play in this life
People seek immediate pleasure, distraction, or gratification in the present, rather than finding long-term and meaningful solutions
Wait for the future
Individuals and society often prioritize future rewards or goals over present needs or issues
In trouble and strife
Life is full of difficulties, challenges, and conflicts, and individuals must navigate them in order to find stability, satisfaction, or success
Give us a safe place
Individuals seek comfort, security, and protection from the dangers and uncertainties of the world
We got to relax
In order to cope with stress, pressure, or anxiety, individuals need to find ways to unwind and recharge
Filled up with ego
Individuals and societies are prone to excessive pride, self-interest, or self-importance, often leading to negative consequences and conflicts
We pay for our sex
Sexuality and pleasure are often commodified and objectified, leading to exploitation, inequality, and harm
Don`t let them in their life
Individuals should not allow those in power or authority to dictate or control their lives, beliefs, or values
Don`t let rule your land
Individuals and society should not allow greed, corruption, or selfishness to dominate and distort their collective values and goals
The Purgatory waits
A state of punishment or purification awaits those who ignore moral or ethical values and prioritize their own gain
For them to burn in hell
Those who act in opposition to justice and goodness will ultimately face negative consequences or judgement in some form.
Contributed by Carter I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.