Ancient Memory
IZZ Lyrics
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controls your thoughts and imprisons your mind
you thought that life would last
you didn't think your time was passed
a dictator with a slippery finger
a madman in a refugee camp
a soldier's hollow memory lingers
controls your thoughts and imprisons your dream
it takes the edge off the blame
to go around saying His name
decisive maladies like you
always know exactly what is true
drop the fear on your own
and your soul has been blown
handing out your orders still
we all starve and yet we do your will
The lyrics to IZZ's song "Ancient Memory" speak to the idea of being trapped by memories from the past, memories that control one's thoughts and imprison the mind. The lines "an ancient memory from a slippery past" and "an ancient memory from inside your mind" suggest that these memories are both external and internal, and that they are pervasive and difficult to escape. The song goes on to describe various tyrannical figures - a dictator, a madman in a refugee camp - and to suggest that these figures are themselves controlled by their past memories. The line "a soldier's hollow memory lingers" suggests that even those who do terrible things may be haunted by the past, unable to escape the memories that drive them.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of desperation and futility. The line "decisive maladies like you always know exactly what is true" suggests a kind of nihilistic certainty - the singer sees those in power as vulnerable to the same ancient memories that haunt everyone. The final lines, "handing out your orders still we all starve and yet we do your will," suggest that there is no escape from this cycle of oppression and suffering - that even those who are powerless to change things are complicit in their own destruction.
Overall, "Ancient Memory" is a powerful meditation on the ways in which the past can haunt us and control our thoughts and actions. The song suggests that even those who hold power and seem in control are themselves trapped by the memories of their past, and that there may be no escape from the cycle of suffering and oppression that results.
Line by Line Meaning
an ancient memory from a slippery past
A memory from a distant and vague past that is difficult to grasp or remember.
controls your thoughts and imprisons your mind
This memory has a stronghold on your thoughts and prevents you from thinking freely.
you thought that life would last
You believed that life would go on forever.
you didn't think your time was passed
You didn't believe that your time had come to an end.
a dictator with a slippery finger
A leader who is deceitful and manipulative with power and control.
a madman in a refugee camp
An unstable person who is living as a displaced refugee.
a soldier's hollow memory lingers
A memory from a soldier that is empty and void of meaning continues to remain.
an ancient memory from inside your mind
A memory that is deep within your own mind.
controls your thoughts and imprisons your dream
This memory controls your thoughts and prevents you from dreaming or thinking creatively.
it takes the edge off the blame
Saying a deity's name can help absolve one of guilt and blame for their actions.
to go around saying His name
To repeatedly speak the name of a deity.
decisive maladies like you
People like you, who make bold and confident decisions, despite the negative consequences.
always know exactly what is true
You believe you know the absolute truth.
drop the fear on your own
Overcome fear by yourself.
and your soul has been blown
Your soul has been emptied, as if a wind has passed through it.
handing out your orders still
You are still giving commands and expecting others to follow them.
we all starve and yet we do your will
Despite suffering and hunger, people are still obedient to your commands.
Contributed by Juliana O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Rx Palm
I absolutely LOVE this band. Every prog fan, or even just classic rock fan, should know about them.
Justin Meyers
Stumbled upon this band like a lot of people, and I'm glad I did!! Great musicianship and passion! Will be checking out their other stuff, wish it hadn't taken me this long. Better late than never!
chokfm
I saw this band in Québec city last night during the festi prog Terra Incognita... Wow !!!!!!!!!!!! But how can we don't know this awsome band???
Thomas Krause
Habe von dieser Gruppe auch vor 3 Jahren durch Zufall gehört und mir alle CD's zugelegt. Der mehrstimmige Geang und die verrückten Arrangements sind wunderbar.