Day of Reckoning
Government Issue Lyrics


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Take a last look, the world's about to fall
Your efforts are useless, to move a brick wall
You didn't seem to listen to a thing I said
You think that today will become your day

Open your eyes, to hich way to take
Reagan will laugh, as your resistance he breaks
Butchers and cowards, they're all running your life
This day is for reckoning if you wish to survive

Alright!

Open your eyes, to which way to take
Reagan will laugh, as your resistance he breaks
Please be strong, stretch your arms out at length
He'll dance on your grave, deprive all your strength





Yeah!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Government Issue's song "Day of Reckoning" describe a bleak picture of the world on the brink of collapse, with oppressive forces controlling people's lives and crushing their resistance. The first verse implies a sense of resignation, as the singer warns that the world is about to fall and that efforts to resist are useless – like trying to move a brick wall. The second line seems to be directed at someone who didn't listen to what the singer said, and who thinks that today will be their day – perhaps implying that they are overly optimistic or naive.


The second verse is more confrontational, urging people to "open your eyes" and decide which way to take. The reference to Reagan suggests that the song was written during the 1980s, when the US President Ronald Reagan was seen by some as a symbol of conservative and militaristic policies. The line "butchers and cowards, they're all running your life" implies that those in power are ruthless and weak at the same time, controlling people's lives but lacking the courage to face them honestly.


The chorus reinforces the message that this day is for reckoning – a time when people must stand up for themselves or face the consequences. The final line, "He'll dance on your grave, deprive all your strength," suggests that the forces of oppression will not only defeat people physically but also deprive them of their spirit and will to resist. Overall, the song's lyrics are a call to action in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, urging people to open their eyes and fight back against oppression and injustice.


Line by Line Meaning

Take a last look, the world's about to fall
Before everything collapses, observe the state of the world


Your efforts are useless, to move a brick wall
Attempting to change what is unmalleable is futile


You didn't seem to listen to a thing I said
It appears that none of my words had any effect on you


You think that today will become your day
An assumption made that this day will bring about positive change for them


Open your eyes, to hich way to take
Become cognizant of the path to follow


Reagan will laugh, as your resistance he breaks
President Reagan will jeer when he cripples any resistance you might put forth


Butchers and cowards, they're all running your life
Individuals lacking ethics and courage control your existence


This day is for reckoning if you wish to survive
This day invites an opportunity to face your actions and choices, required for survival


Open your eyes, to which way to take
Again, look carefully to choose the optimal direction


Reagan will laugh, as your resistance he breaks
President Reagan will mock as he dismantles your attempts at fighting back


Please be strong, stretch your arms out at length
Summon inner strength and extend yourself as much as possible


He'll dance on your grave, deprive all your strength
He will celebrate your defeat and deplete your power




Contributed by Callie W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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