Mike and Andrew went on to form Amateur Party after KTMWQ's breakup. Jeremy played drums in Jai Alai Savant. Andrew had formerly played guitar in DisSucks, and also played bass in Limp Wrist.
Census
Kill the Man Who Questions Lyrics
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In "Census" by Kill the Man Who Questions, the lyrics describe the frustration that can arise from the way people are counted and represented, in particular in the context of a census. The song suggests that the process can be divisive, with different parties vying for control and trying to ensure that they are counted and represented in a way that benefits them. The lyrics suggest that the process is far from neutral, with some voices mattering more than others and some people being disregarded or overlooked altogether.
The first lines of the song suggest that there is a plan in place for the census ("Blueprints they have are drawn up and laid out"), but that this is not necessarily reassuring ("First reason, then retire to angry shouts"). The process quickly becomes contentious, with arguments and bitterness taking over ("Debate turns bitter, there's no hope for compromise"). The lyrics suggest that the outcome of the census can have serious implications for different groups ("When this count comes in you're pushed to the side"), and that there are different factors that can influence who is seen as important and who is not ("Who's worth a voice? Who really matters?"). Ultimately, the lyrics suggest that the power to make decisions about the census is not distributed equally, and that some people have more agency and influence than others ("Who's got the power to knock on the doors and make nobody home?").
Overall, "Census" is a song that reflects on the politics of representation, power and identity in the context of a census. The lyrics are critical of the way that different groups can be overlooked or excluded in this process, and they suggest that there is a need for more equitable and inclusive approaches to counting and representation.
Line by Line Meaning
The blueprints they have are drawn up and laid out.
The plans and strategies they have are set and prepared.
First reason, then retire to angry shouts.
At first, there is logical reasoning, but eventually, it leads to heated arguments and screaming.
Debate turns bitter.
The discussion becomes sour and unpleasant.
There's no hope for compromise.
There is no possibility of finding a middle ground.
When this count comes in, you're pushed to the side.
When the census results are tallied, you are disregarded and excluded.
An equation so dizzying it's got them up in arms.
The complicated formula used to determine who to count and who not to count causes no small amount of anger and agitation.
An equation so simple.
Although the problem is complex, the solution is basic and straightforward.
Who's worth a voice? Who really matters?
Who deserves to be heard and who is truly significant?
Who's gonna get counted? Who gets negated?
Who will be included in the census, and who will be overlooked and ignored?
And falls under control? Who really matters and who's got the power to knock on the doors and make nobody home?
Who can exert control over who gets counted, who carries more significance, and who is left out or forgotten?
1-2-3 round down so 1.2 is reported.
Numbers are rounded down, so even individuals who should count as more than one are treated as just one statistic.
Contributed by Isaiah M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.