Zero Tolerance
Death Lyrics


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In the dark of night
Abusing a portion of light
While others are sleeping
And some are escaping
A serpent spews out fantasy-
Unjustified blasphemy
That cannot be condoned
It must be strange to not have lived
So far into existence

This is not a test of power
This is not a game to be lost or won
Let justice be done

[Chorus]
There will be zero tolerance
For the creator of hallowed intentions
There will be zero tolerance
Fate is your deciding God

Karma comes crashing down
Leaving a very deep scar
Exposing a door to the
Source of a verbal whore
Machines supply the altar
Where virtuous lives are sacrificed

It must be strange to not have lived
So far into existence

This is not a test of power




This is not a game to be lost or won
Let justice be done

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Death's song Zero Tolerance speak of the consequences of malicious and unjustified speech. The song starts with a picture of those who abuse their words in the dark of night and spread fantasy and blasphemy, which cannot be condoned. The analogy of a serpent spewing out venomous words is aptly used to convey the harmful nature of such speech. The chorus speaks of karma, fate, and justice, and how they will catch up with the creators of such hollow intentions. The song stresses the importance of virtuous living and the consequences of disregarding it.


The lyricist uses imagery to create a stark contrast between the virtue of living and the harm caused by the verbal whore. The song's overall message is that there will be zero tolerance for malicious and unjustified speech, and the people who create such speech will eventually have to face justice. This is not a game to be won or lost, but a call for justice to be served.


Line by Line Meaning

In the dark of night
Under the cover of darkness


Abusing a portion of light
Using artificial sources of light to create illusions


While others are sleeping
Taking advantage of people's vulnerability


And some are escaping
Others are trying to avoid the situation


A serpent spews out fantasy-
Lies and deceit are being spread like venom


Unjustified blasphemy
Speaking profane and disrespectful words without valid reason


That cannot be condoned
This behavior cannot be accepted or ignored


It must be strange to not have lived
It's difficult to relate to someone who hasn't experienced life fully


So far into existence
Having lived for a long time


This is not a test of power
This isn't a competition to show off one's strength


This is not a game to be lost or won
This isn't a situation where the outcome should be based on winning or losing


Let justice be done
The right thing should be done and justice must prevail


There will be zero tolerance
No allowance or mercy will be shown


For the creator of hallowed intentions
For someone who claims to have pure motives


Fate is your deciding God
Destiny determines the outcome for you


Karma comes crashing down
Consequences of one's actions will catch up to them eventually


Leaving a very deep scar
The impact will be lasting and severe


Exposing a door to the
Revealing an entrance to


Source of a verbal whore
The origins of someone who speaks unwarranted lies


Machines supply the altar
Machinery and technology are being used to facilitate evil actions


Where virtuous lives are sacrificed
Where innocent and honorable individuals are victimized




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CHUCK SCHULDINER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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