John Watts recorded and performed as 'John Watts' during 1981-83 before forming The Cry in 1984. Watts later continued with a new incarnation of Fischer-Z in 1987, with him being the only original member. Albums were released with a similar line-up until 1995 when John Watts returned to being 'J M Watts', 'Watts' and John Watts. In 2002 the moniker was revived once more for the album "Ether". There was a 2004 reunion of the original band for one short show which featured on the Garden Party DVD which was released along with the Fischer-Z Highlights 1979-2004 25th anniversary compilation album.
After this John continued performing and recording solo with the most recent album being 2005's 'Real Life Is Good Enough', "It Has To Be" (2006) and "Morethanmusic & Films" (2009).
In august 2010 John Watts had a couple of shows in the Netherlands with his current band (Sam Walker on drums and Matthew Gest on keyboard) playing good old Fischer-Z repertoire. He presented this band as "the new Fischer-Z". Though John Watts focuses on his solo efforts more than on Fischer-Z (no new releases under that name) lately he revives the band when concert tent to be focused on that period of his live.
Multinationals Bite
Fischer-Z Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're not extreme.
But you threaten them.
With your dream.
So be careful.
Multinationals bite bite bite.
They'll destroy you.
I hear wardrums (Picking up pieces of blood for you, now).
I hear wardrums (Picking up pieces of blood for you, now).
I hear wardrums (Picking up pieces of blood for you, now).
I hear wardrums (Picking up pieces of blood for you, now).
You don't realise.
The extent of their power.
I can't help you.
Anymore.
And you'll find out.
Multinationals bite bite bite.
They'll destroy you.
Overnight.
I hear wardrums (Picking up pieces of blood for you, now).
I hear wardrums (Picking up pieces of blood for you, now).
I hear wardrums (Picking up pieces of blood for you, now).
I hear wardrums (Picking up pieces of blood for you, now).
There's no justice.
Outside the law.
They have governments
Under control...
The song Multinationals Bite by Fischer-Z is a warning to those who dare to dream and challenge the power of large corporations. The lyrics suggest that even those who do not consider themselves extreme or anti-establishment may become a threat to these corporations simply by having a vision for a better world. The song warns that the multinationals have the power to destroy anyone who challenges them, even if they are not intentionally trying to upset the status quo. The chorus of "Multinationals bite bite bite, they'll destroy you overnight" is a stark reminder of the power imbalance between individuals and large corporations.
The song seems to suggest that the multinationals have a hidden agenda and are not held accountable by government or the law. The lyric "there's no justice, outside the law, they have governments, under control" suggests that the corporations have a significant amount of influence over the political systems that are supposed to oversee them. It is fitting that the song references the sound of war drums, as the prospect of multinationals wielding uncontrollable power is a frightening one.
Line by Line Meaning
You're no anarchist
You are not advocating for a society without government or law.
You're not extreme.
You are not advocating for radical or extreme measures.
But you threaten them.
Your ideas and beliefs pose a threat to the multinationals.
With your dream.
Your vision of a different world view threatens the current status quo.
So be careful.
You should exercise caution in expressing your views.
Multinationals bite bite bite.
Multinational corporations will fiercely retaliate against any challenge to their power.
They'll destroy you.
If provoked, multinationals have the power and resources to destroy you completely.
Overnight.
Their response will likely be swift and effective.
I hear wardrums (Picking up pieces of blood for you, now).
Figuratively, the sounds of war signal danger and bloodshed.
You don't realise.
You are not aware of the full magnitude of their power.
The extent of their power.
The extent of the multinational's power and reach is beyond your current understanding.
I can't help you.
I cannot shield or protect you from the consequences of your actions.
Anymore.
Any previous aid or support is no longer possible or effective.
And you'll find out.
You will inevitably discover for yourself the full extent of their power.
There's no justice.
Outside the law and its constraints, there is little justice to be found.
Outside the law.
There is no protection outside the bounds of the legal system.
They have governments
Multinationals have extensive influence and control over government institutions.
Under control...
The multinational's influence and control over government institutions are hidden and not immediately perceivable.
Contributed by Mila K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.