A key influence on industrial rock, their early music was described by critics Stephen Thomas Erlewine and John Dougan as well as industrial metal and "quasi-metal, dancing to a tune of doom and gloom," which gradually evolved over the years, incorporating elements of electronic music, synth-pop, gothic rock, and alternative rock, though always emphasizing Coleman's "savagely strident vocals."
Finding modest commercial success, Killing Joke have influenced many later bands, such as Nirvana, Ministry, Amen, Lamb of God, Nine Inch Nails, Napalm Death, Amebix, Big Black, Godflesh, Tool, Prong, Metallica, Primus, Jane's Addiction, Soundgarden, Foo Fighters, Faith No More, Blacklist, Shihad and Korn, all of whom have at some point cited some debt of gratitude to Killing Joke.
Another Bloody Election
Killing Joke Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
False gestures. too much make-up
Elected to serve the public
How did you make your fortune?
I love your cheesy smile
Please will you kiss my baby
More cars and endless car parks
Planning permission granted
Another bloody election
Another bloody election
Cover-ups. official statements
Digest my gospel headlines
Marilyn committed suicide
Some nut blew JFK away
Mr. Murdoch cares for orphans
McDonalds goes eco-friendly
I'm cynical of you
There's millions like me too
Another bloody election
Another bloody election
Another bloody election
Another bloody election
Another bloody election
The lyrics of Killing Joke's song Another Bloody Election mainly describe the corruption and deception that takes place during election campaigns. The song voices the frustration and disillusionment felt by people towards politicians and their ways of gaining power. The first few lines, "Rosettes and campaign trails, False gestures, too much make-up," highlight how politicians often use superficial tactics to appeal to voters. They may make insincere promises or try to convey an image that may not be true to themselves.
As the lyrics continue, the line "Elected to serve the public, How did you make your fortune?" suggests that the wealth of politicians may have come from dubious sources. This is further emphasised by the lines "I love your cheesy smile, Please will you kiss my baby, More cars and endless car parks, Planning permission granted." These lines give the impression that politicians are willing to do whatever it takes to win over voters and secure votes, even if it means approving projects that may not be necessary or beneficial.
The song also touches upon how the media manipulates information to sway public opinion. The lines "Cover-ups, official statements, Digest my gospel headlines" highlight how the media can spin stories to create desired perceptions. The song also references the assassinations of Marilyn Monroe and JFK, further hinting at the conspiracy theories and speculation that surround these events. The song concludes by acknowledging the frustration of the singer and others, stating "There's millions like me too."
Line by Line Meaning
Rosettes and campaign trails
Politicians try to woo the public with flashy campaign events and dressed up appearances
False gestures. too much make-up
Politicians often fake their emotions and wear excessive makeup to maintain false appearances in front of the public
Elected to serve the public
Politicians are chosen by the public to represent their interests and work for their betterment
How did you make your fortune?
Questions are raised about the legitimacy of a politician's wealth and how it was acquired
I love your cheesy smile
Public figures often try to win people over with their charming, yet unauthentic smiles
Please will you kiss my baby
Politicians often engage in photo-opportunities and request to hold and kiss babies for political gain
More cars and endless car parks
Urban development increasingly prioritizes private vehicles, resulting in more cars and parking spaces taking up public space
Planning permission granted
The government approves plans for new buildings, regardless of environmental or social impacts
Another bloody election
Politicians and elections are deemed tiring and frustrating by the public
Cover-ups. official statements
Governments often try to hide their wrongdoings and divert attention from scandals through official statements
Digest my gospel headlines
The media sensationalizes news stories to attract readers, often presenting biased or incomplete information as the truth
Marilyn committed suicide
The public is fed stories and rumors about a famous actress's tragic end, which may or may not have been a suicide
Some nut blew JFK away
The official story of JFK's assassination is contested, as there is speculation that someone other than the alleged assassin was involved
Mr. Murdoch cares for orphans
Media corporations often try to improve their image by promoting philanthropic activities, even if their business practices cause social harm
McDonalds goes eco-friendly
Fast food companies hop on the 'green' bandwagon to appeal to environmentally-conscious customers, despite the negative impact their industry has on the planet
I'm cynical of you
People have grown wary and distrustful of politicians and their empty promises
There's millions like me too
Many others share the artist's disillusionment with politics and politicians
Another bloody election
Election season is seen as a frustrating and repetitive cycle
Another bloody election
The same problems with politicians and elections continue to prevail, without any improvement or progress
Another bloody election
The public is exhausted of the political climate and the never-ending cycle of elections
Another bloody election
The artist's frustration with the political system is echoed by many others
Another bloody election
The repetition of the phrase emphasizes the cyclic, unchanging nature of elections and its associated issues
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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