Victoria
Hammerhead Lyrics


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And the day came when the slaves would be masters, and the masters would be slaves

Victoria
Another cup of tea
Half a world away
I'm dying
Victoria
Empress and queen
You make the rules
I'm buying
V is for victory
V is for victoria

Onto the ship
I will set sail
All around the world
All around the world

Do your drugs and railroad tracks
Dig your trench
Say it now

Victoria
I'm American, hahaha
Victoria
Without your love
I'll surely die
I will die
I'll dig my Chinese ditch
The king is dead




God save the queen
Victoria

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Hammerhead's song Victoria are heavily political, using a mix of symbols and allegories to convey a message about power dynamics and oppression. The opening line refers to a reversal of power, suggesting that one group of people will overthrow their oppressors and become the new ruling class. This sense of revolution is further emphasized by the repeated refrain of "V is for victory," signifying a sense of triumph for the downtrodden masses.


The lyrics then turn to address the titular figure of Victoria, who is referred to as "empress and queen." This could be interpreted as a commentary on the British Empire, which dominated the world during Victoria's reign. The singer seems to be addressing Victoria personally, even though she died over a century ago. This could be taken as a metaphor for the continued power structures upheld by her legacy.


The singer then makes reference to "drugs and railroad tracks" and "Chinese ditches," evocative imagery that could be read as references to imperialist exploitation of other nations and cultures. The closing lines, "The king is dead, God save the queen," further drive home the message of power dynamics and the perpetuation of social hierarchies.


Line by Line Meaning

And the day came when the slaves would be masters, and the masters would be slaves
The power dynamic of society has shifted where those who were once oppressed are now in control, and those who held power are now at the mercy of the formerly oppressed.


Victoria
Addressing the queen, Victoria, as a symbol of authority and power.


Another cup of tea
Request for refreshment or pause before continuing the conversation.


Half a world away
The distance between the artist and Queen Victoria physically, and possibly ideologically.


I'm dying
A metaphor for a desire to connect with the queen, or an admission of hopelessness in the current situation.


Empress and queen
A title of respect for Queen Victoria, as well as a reference to her position of authority and power.


You make the rules
Acknowledgment of the queen's power to influence and shape society through her rule.


I'm buying
Willingness to submit or support the queen's decisions and authority.


V is for victory
A reference to the letter 'V' as a symbol of victory or triumph.


Onto the ship
Boarding a ship and embarking on a journey.


I will set sail
Initiating a journey, possibly literally across the sea or metaphorically towards a new life or belief system.


All around the world
An expansive journey that covers great distances and explores diverse cultures.


Do your drugs and railroad tracks
Encouragement to explore and experience life, possibly through illegal or risky activities.


Dig your trench
To commit or focus on a particular course of action or belief system.


Say it now
Urging the listener to take action or speak their mind.


I'm American, hahaha
Identifying as American and possibly referencing American exceptionalism or cultural dominance.


Without your love
Acknowledging the importance of the queen's affection or support.


I'll surely die
An admission of dependence on the queen's support or validation.


I will die
Reiteration of the singer's dependence and importance of the queen's support or validation.


I'll dig my Chinese ditch
An expression of commitment to a particular course of action regardless of the consequences.


The king is dead
A reference to a shift in power dynamics or the need for a change in leadership.


God save the queen
A traditional British expression of support and loyalty for the reigning monarch.


Victoria
Closing address to the queen Victoria.




Contributed by Jasmine I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Aitsu58

hammerhead odkąd go znam dawał mi światłość i trzeżwośc( sic!) yes, yes na dalszy WAY. nie znałem 'Victorii', moc już jest i ogarnia mnie z przytupem, i jeszcze czuję świeżość. ...ole , ogarnijcie mnie, abo cóś/ >? grzech

John Ballard

Love this sh*t!!!!!

Dave Anchovies

highly recommend the 2014 show. like mission of burma, probably more desperation than the first run. unfortunately i discovered them a year after they were in driving range. low turnout as usual in rochester, dont think they came back. hey, killdozer were better at the touch and go reunion...way better than the show i saw in the 90s before they ended

Dave Anchovies

Dear AmRep
Please reissue Into The Vortex and make it cheaper than an original. Evil Twin, too. Make it a double lp with some extras. Thanks.

NTX NOISE

@daveanchovies Hey man, I have a copy of Evil Twin, Ethereal Killer and Into the Vortex on CD. I'd be happy to send you MP3 files of them if you'd like. Just DM me.

Dave Anchovies

@NTX NOISE thank you, have everything digitally. and 2 of 4, now? lps. a few comp tracks. thanks for replying!

Dave Anchovies

i found one...shit is as expensive whether its original or repress. i love how each album had a slightly different vibe but was Hammerhead...not overdoing their talent, not looking for a contract and one of the true 90's powerhouse bands. ive grown into this album--didnt think Vortex could be topped...not the point, its on par as all their stuff is. This is the real losers grunge. Imagine how many kids missed it completely. i think if they wrote a hit--this is it.

Racer X

im american hahaha

Hondo Turbulence

yeah yeah alright we gotta get back to digging this chinese ditch fellas :(

Dave Anchovies

you make the rules, i'm buyin...

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