Off with their heads
Inner Terrestrials Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The heritage of right by cast
Warlords of ancient time
Sworn to protect their inbred line
Off with their heads
They claim the land, this iron hand
Well maybe it's time to settle the score
Hit back in the name of the oppressed poor
Off With their heads
So Charlie, Lizzie, and all your kin
Take your place beneath the blade
If you lose the people win
That is when your debt is paid!
The lyrics to Inner Terrestrials' song "Off with their heads" speak to the themes of revolution, social justice, and taking down oppressive ruling classes. The opening line, "how many years can this way last?" asks the listener to reflect on the longevity of the current state of affairs, which is characterized by the inheritance of power and the protection of the ruling class's lineage. The next line, "the heritage of right by cast," emphasizes the idea that the ruling class claims their power is based on inheritance and tradition, rather than earned merit.
The third line, "warlords of ancient time," highlights the cyclical nature of history and the fact that throughout time, there have always been those who hold power through violence and oppression. The final line of this verse, "sworn to protect their inbred line," speaks to the inbreeding that often occurs within ruling families to keep power and wealth concentrated within a select few.
The chorus, "off with their heads," is a call to action and an expression of anger and frustration with the current state of affairs. The following verse urges the ruling class to take their place beneath the blade, and suggests that the people will win when their debt is paid, referencing the idea that the ruling class owes a debt to the oppressed poor.
Overall, Inner Terrestrials' "Off with their heads" is a powerful and incisive commentary on the need for societal change and the importance of standing up against oppressive ruling classes.
Line by Line Meaning
How many years can this way last?
Questioning the longevity of the current system of rule and governance.
The heritage of right by cast
The right to rule based on lineage or birth, a concept inherited from feudal systems.
Warlords of ancient time
Reference to the historical dominance of warlords and conquerors throughout human history.
Sworn to protect their inbred line
Highlighting the idea of nepotism and the tendency for ruling elites to protect and advance their own families.
Off with their heads
A call to overthrow the ruling class through dramatic and violent means.
They claim the land, this iron hand
Describing the firm grasp of those in charge over the territory and resources of a country.
These profiteers so high and grand
Specifying the self-serving nature of those in power, who use their position of influence to gain personal profit and status.
Well maybe it's time to settle the score
Encouraging the oppressed to take action and even the playing field.
Hit back in the name of the oppressed poor
Urging for a violent revolution in the name of the marginalized and underprivileged.
So Charlie, Lizzie, and all your kin
Directly addressing the royal family, who represent the epitome of inherited power and privilege.
Take your place beneath the blade
Threatening the ruling class with the guillotine, a symbol of revolutionary violence.
If you lose the people win
Expressing the idea that the overthrow of the ruling class would be a victory for the common people.
That is when your debt is paid!
Declaring that the death of the ruling class would be a form of punishment and retribution for the long-standing oppression and exploitation of the masses.
Contributed by Cooper R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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