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.
Big Buzz
Killing Joke Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Remember friends and faces
Passing of the years
All those who shared with us
The ordeals and the pain
Hearts of gold walk down golden lanes
Big buzz, big buzz
On a high
And I′m alive
Smiling faces of those who always care
All the good people
They're always there
Follow your dream and you′ll go far
Every man and woman is a star
Still laughing after all these years...
Big buzz, big buzz
On a high
Big buzz, big buzz
And I'm alive
A time for gratitude, a time to thrill
Another chapter
A fresh breeze blowing in
Voices of ancestors
Cheering us on
Never stopping
Until the race is won
Big buzz, big buzz
On a high
Big buzz, big buzz
And I'm alive
Still laughing after all these years
Tears of laughter, tears of pride
Big buzz, big buzz
On a high
Big buzz, big buzz
And I′m alive
The lyrics to Killing Joke's song "Big Buzz" convey a sense of nostalgia, gratitude, and resilience. The opening line, "Walking on familiar ground reduced to tears," suggests a mixture of sentimental emotions tied to familiar places and memories. The mention of "friends and faces" and the "passing of the years" evokes a reflection on the people who have shared both the hardships and joys of life.
The chorus, "Big buzz, big buzz, on a high," expresses a feeling of elation and exhilaration, possibly associated with the memories and experiences shared with loved ones. The lyrics acknowledge the presence of "smiling faces of those who always care" and emphasize the importance of following one's dreams to achieve success, highlighting the idea that "every man and woman is a star."
The song reinforces the theme of resilience and the ability to persevere through life's challenges. The line, "Still laughing after all these years," suggests a sense of resilience and the ability to find joy and laughter despite the difficulties faced. The reference to "tears of laughter, tears of pride" further emphasizes the emotional blend of happiness and pride experienced over time.
Overall, "Big Buzz" is a celebration of shared experiences, gratitude, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams, while acknowledging the enduring presence of loved ones and the ability to find joy and laughter even in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Walking on familiar ground reduced to tears
Feeling emotional and overwhelmed while navigating through familiar surroundings.
Remember friends and faces
Recalling the memories of the people we know and recognize.
Passing of the years
The process of time going by.
All those who shared with us
Everyone who has experienced and participated in our journey.
The ordeals and the pain
The hardships and suffering we have endured.
Hearts of gold walk down golden lanes
Genuinely good-hearted individuals progress through prosperous paths.
Big buzz, big buzz
On a high
An overwhelming sense of excitement and euphoria.
And I'm alive
Emphasizing the feeling of being alive and present in the moment.
Smiling faces of those who always care
Receiving support and affection from those who consistently show concern.
All the good people
They're always there
Highlighting the presence and reliability of kind-hearted individuals.
Follow your dream and you'll go far
Pursuing one's ambitions will lead to great achievements.
Every man and woman is a star
Acknowledging the innate brilliance and potential within every individual.
Still laughing after all these years...
Continuing to find joy and amusement as time passes.
A time for gratitude, a time to thrill
Expressing appreciation while also experiencing excitement and anticipation.
Another chapter
A fresh breeze blowing in
Entering a new phase of life, accompanied by a refreshing and invigorating change.
Voices of ancestors
Cheering us on
Hearing the supportive guidance and encouragement from our predecessors.
Never stopping
Until the race is won
Persevering relentlessly until the desired goal is achieved.
Tears of laughter, tears of pride
Crying tears of joy and fulfillment.
And I'm alive
Reiterating the feeling of being alive and present in the moment.
Writer(s): Kevin Walker, Jeremy Coleman, Martin Glover, Matthew Paul Ferguson
Contributed by Elliot J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
FIX AND LEARN
Lyrics...Hot off the press!
Walking on familiar ground reduced to tears
Remember friends and faces
Passing of the years
All those who shared with us
The ordeals and the pain
Hearts of gold walk down golden lanes
Big buzz, big buzz
On a high
Big buzz, big buzz
And I’m alive
Smiling faces of those who always care
All the good people
They’re always there
Follow your dream and you’ll go far
Every man and woman is a star
Still laughing after all these years…
Big buzz, big buzz
On a high
Big buzz, big buzz
And I’m alive
A time for gratitude, a time to thrill
Another chapter
A fresh breeze blowing in
Voices of ancestors
Cheering us on
Never stopping
Until the race is won
Big buzz, big buzz
On a high
Big buzz, big buzz
And I’m alive
Still laughing after all these years
Tears of laughter, tears of pride
Big buzz, big buzz
On a high
Big buzz, big buzz
And I’m alive
Darkness Before Dawn
Walking on familiar ground reduced to tears
Remember friends and faces
Passing of the years
All those who shared with us
The ordeals and the pain
Hearts of gold walk down golden lanes
Big buzz, big buzz
On a high
Big buzz, big buzz
And I'm alive
Smiling faces of those who always care
All the good people
They're always there
Follow your dream and you'll go far
Every man and woman is a star
Still laughing after all these years...
Big buzz, big buzz
On a high
Big buzz, big buzz
And I'm alive
A time for gratitude, a time to thrill
Another chapter
A fresh breeze blowing in
Voices of ancestors
Cheering us on
Never stopping
Until the race is won
Big buzz, big buzz
On a high
Big buzz, big buzz
And I'm alive
Still laughing after all these years
Tears of laughter, tears of pride
Big buzz, big buzz
On a high
Big buzz, big buzz
And I'm alive 🎵
Tato Flores
Killing Joke is one of the best bands ever on this planet...
Passo de Luz
people cannot cover then
Princeofcups Poc
Metallica, Nirvana, and Foo Fighters tried. Although since Dave drummed for them, does it count?
Eklektik40
And like to steal melodies and even sound from other bands. The new Led Zeppelin in a way...
Celtic Warrior
@Eklektik40 Ñame me one band, song or tune that the Joke have stolen from? The Joke are and always have been unique in the music world, leading where others may dare to follow!
Eklektik40
Ok... you clearly never heard of The Damned and Nirvana... now, I just gave you a great cue.
Chris Hutt
Punk aesthetic, Industrial texture, Tribal rhythms, Heavy Metal crunch!
That's Killing Joke!
FIX AND LEARN
Lyrics...Hot off the press!
Walking on familiar ground reduced to tears
Remember friends and faces
Passing of the years
All those who shared with us
The ordeals and the pain
Hearts of gold walk down golden lanes
Big buzz, big buzz
On a high
Big buzz, big buzz
And I’m alive
Smiling faces of those who always care
All the good people
They’re always there
Follow your dream and you’ll go far
Every man and woman is a star
Still laughing after all these years…
Big buzz, big buzz
On a high
Big buzz, big buzz
And I’m alive
A time for gratitude, a time to thrill
Another chapter
A fresh breeze blowing in
Voices of ancestors
Cheering us on
Never stopping
Until the race is won
Big buzz, big buzz
On a high
Big buzz, big buzz
And I’m alive
Still laughing after all these years
Tears of laughter, tears of pride
Big buzz, big buzz
On a high
Big buzz, big buzz
And I’m alive
Aimee Candela
Wow! Killing Joke never ceases to amaze me! Over 25 yrs, I've been listening and honored to be a fan. Look forward to seeing them again in the New Year. Powerful music with a real message to tell.
justin davidson
This song is such a banger! killing Joke is one of the most underrated bands ever!