Da5id Din and Matthew Crofoot, two Boston studio owners, decided to become Informatik in 1993 after recognizing common musical tastes.
The duo, who had previously worked separately as Acme Disco Machine and Struktur, began recording and released their debut album Direct Memory Access on Sinless Records. The second volume of the album was released two years later. ~ John Bush
Revolutions
Informatik Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We're the land of the free
Ask yourself some simple questions
Things aren't what they seem
We all need someone to hold
We all need to have a home
We all need to speak our hearts
Each of us has the power
To change the course we're on
A fire burns within us
Brighter than the sun
"We've got some difficult days ahead.
But it really doesn't matter with me now.
Because I've been to the mountaintop, and I don't mind.
Like anybody, I would like to live a long life.
Longevity has its place.
But I'm not concerned about that now.
I just want to do God's will.
He's allowed me to go up to the mountain.
And I've looked over, and I've seen the promised land.
I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight,
That we, as a people, will get to the promised land!"
We all need someone to hold
We all need to have a home
We all need to speak our hearts
We all need a little love
I declare my insurrection
To the home of the brave
I will not surrender
Until the world is free
We all need someone to hold
We all need to have a home
We all need to speak our hearts
We all need a little love
"They may torture my body, break my bones, even kill me.
Then they will have my dead body... not my obedience."
The song Revolutions by Informatik starts with a question: How long can we pretend for? It is followed by a statement that says that we are the land of the free, but things aren't what they seem. It is calling out for people to ask themselves simple questions and not to simply take things at face value. The next verse emphasises the fact that we all need the same things: love, shelter, someone to hold, and a voice to speak our hearts. It then empowers the listener, saying that each person has the power to change their course and that the fire burning within them is brighter than the sun.
The song then switches to a speech by Martin Luther King Jr. where he declares that he may not get to the promised land, but that as a people, they will get there. The song takes inspiration from the speech and echoes the sentiment that the world will be free. The final words of the song say that the singer will never surrender until the world is free.
Overall, the song is about calling out the status quo and having the courage to take a stand for what one believes in. It highlights that everyone has the same basic needs and that it is our right to speak up and demand them. It is a song that is empowering and inspirational in equal measure.
Line by Line Meaning
How long can we pretend for?
Questioning how long we can deceive ourselves about the true state of things.
We're the land of the free
Referring to the supposed freedom and rights of citizens in the country being addressed.
Ask yourself some simple questions
Encouraging the listener to reflect on certain aspects of their situation.
Things aren't what they seem
Implying that the reality of the situation is not as it appears on the surface.
We all need someone to hold
It is a reminder of the basic human need of physical touch and emotional support.
We all need to have a home
We all need a sense of belonging and a safe space to reside in.
We all need to speak our hearts
A reference to the freedom of expression and the importance of self-assertion.
We all need a little love
Suggesting that everyone requires love and care from others.
Each of us has the power
Acknowledging that every person has the ability to make a change.
To change the course we're on
Indicating that the direction in which things are headed can be altered.
A fire burns within us
Referring to a motivation or passion that drives us.
Brighter than the sun
Exaggerating the intensity of our inner drive or purpose.
We all need someone to hold
It is a reminder of the basic human need of physical touch and emotional support.
We all need to have a home
We all need a sense of belonging and a safe space to reside in.
We all need to speak our hearts
A reference to the freedom of expression and the importance of self-assertion.
We all need a little love
Suggesting that everyone requires love and care from others.
I declare my insurrection
Making a statement of rebellion or defiance.
To the home of the brave
Addressing the country as a whole with their outspokenness and action.
I will not surrender
Committing to fight until the end.
Until the world is free
Extending the mission to include every corner of the globe.
They may torture my body, break my bones, even kill me.
Preparing the listener for the possibility of brutal retaliation or punishment for taking a stand.
Then they will have my dead body... not my obedience.
Asserting that personal conviction and resistance cannot be defeated by violence or oppression.
Contributed by Taylor F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.