1) Defiance is a punk rock band from Portland, Oregon formed in 1993 from the ashes of Portland’s anarcho bands Deprived, Resist, and The Unamused. Their album “No Future, No Hope” has been sited as a major influence on other ’90s anarcho and street bands such as The Unseen. Since being together Defiance has released 5 E.P.s and 4 full lengths. They finished their latest album in February of 2010 and will release it on Unrest Records.
2) Defiance is a Thrash Metal band from the bay area formed in 1985 by Brad Bowers, Mike Kaufmann, and Matt Vander Ende. They are known as one of the classic second-tier thrash bands to come from the Bay Area thrash metal scene. They played a decidedly technical style of thrash originally evoking bands like Testament, though they would later move on to playing in their own unique, more progressive thrash style. They recorded and released 3 albums for Roadrunner Records before splitting up in 1994. In 2005 the band regrouped and signed on with Candlelight Records. They released their 4th full length studio album entitled "The Prophecy" in October 2009.
3) Defiance was a d-beat rawpunk band from Osaka, Japan. Pre Gloom. Demo and some compilations.
4) Thrash metal/crossover from Caen, France
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Does This System Work
Defiance Lyrics
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Why are you fools so fucking eager to trust?
The same fucking scum that bribe you with wages
As they've done from the start
As they will through the ages
(Chorus)
If there's liberty freedom and justice for all
When the rich fucking scum's greed won't cease to persist
While we slave and we toil
Just barely exist
If there laws are set up to serve and protect
Why the fuck is there so much famine and death?
Why do innocent die while the scum still stay in power?
While we waste our whole lives protecting these cowards
If it all works so well and they are striving for peace
Why is there torture and war, greed and death?
While we work and we toil till our last dying breath
And you're so fucking happy
Living under the gun
While you slave and tou toil
They have their day in the sun
If their wars preserve freedom for one and for all
Then why don't they die on their own battlefields?
Does this system work?
Defiance's song "Does This System Work?" is a political commentary on the inadequacies of the system that has been set up to serve the people. The lyrics suggest that the same scum that bribe the workers with wages, are the same people that have been doing it since the beginning of time, and they will continue to do it. The song questions why there is so much poverty, injustice, and suffering in a world that claims to have liberty, freedom, and justice for all. The chorus reminds us that if the system is working so well, then why are the innocent dying, while the scum still stay in power?
The lyrics of "Does This System Work?" draw attention to the inequality and suffering that exist in society despite the laws that are set up to serve and protect the people. The song highlights the contradictions between the ideals that the system claims to uphold and the reality of what is happening in the world. The lines "If there's liberty freedom and justice for all, then why do we suffer and why do we fall?" are particularly poignant, urging the listener to question why these ideals are not being realized in practice.
Overall, "Does This System Work?" is a powerful critique of the system that governs our society. It urges us to question the status quo and demand better for ourselves and future generations. The song reminds us of our duty to fight for our rights and the rights of the vulnerable, and to resist oppression in all its forms.
Line by Line Meaning
It's out of the ashes and into the dust
We are constantly moving from one disastrous situation to the next, with no real progress or improvement.
Why are you fools so fucking eager to trust?
Why do we keep putting our faith in those who have repeatedly demonstrated that they cannot be trusted?
The same fucking scum that bribe you with wages
The people in power are the ones who pay us, and they use this as leverage to manipulate and control us.
As they've done from the start
This type of exploitation and abuse is not a new development; it has been happening for a long time.
As they will through the ages
This pattern of oppression will continue unless we actively work to change it.
If there's liberty freedom and justice for all
These are the values that this system claims to uphold.
They why do we suffer and why do we fall?
If this is true, then why are there so many people who are struggling and experiencing injustice every day?
When the rich fucking scum's greed won't cease to persist
The people who hold power and wealth are driven only by their own selfish desires and will continue to exploit others in order to maintain their wealth.
While we slave and we toil
The rest of us are forced to work tirelessly just to survive.
Just barely exist
Our lives are consumed by the struggle to stay alive and it feels like there is little hope for anything more.
If there laws are set up to serve and protect
The laws in place should be protecting us from harm and ensuring our well-being.
Why the fuck is there so much famine and death?
Yet people are still dying due to lack of basic resources and access to healthcare.
Why do innocent die while the scum still stay in power?
Those in power often disregard the lives of the vulnerable, and do not suffer the consequences of their actions.
While we waste our whole lives protecting these cowards
Meanwhile, the rest of us are dedicating our lives to serving a system that is designed to protect those who already have everything.
If it all works so well and they are striving for peace
The system claims that everything is functioning properly and that its goal is to achieve peace.
Why is there torture and war, greed and death?
However, war, violence, and exploitation are still rampant and show no signs of stopping.
While we work and we toil till our last dying breath
The majority of people are forced to work until they can no longer do so, with little to show for their efforts.
And you're so fucking happy
Despite all of these issues, some people still seem content to accept their lot in life and not question the system.
Living under the gun
Living in a constant state of fear and surveillance.
They have their day in the sun
The people in power have all the advantages and luxuries that come with wealth and influence.
If their wars preserve freedom for one and for all
The elites justify their actions by saying that they are fighting for freedom and justice.
Then why don't they die on their own battlefields?
If they truly believed in these values, they would be on the front lines themselves, instead of forcing others to fight their battles.
Does this system work?
In the face of all these problems and injustices, we are left wondering whether this system is actually functioning as it should, or if it needs to be fundamentally reevaluated and overhauled.
Contributed by Zachary N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.