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.
Communion
Killing Joke Lyrics
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I see the stars, i read the clouds, i understand
Then the madness overwhelmed (i lost control)
It was cut out for each stain upon my soul
All who died (and everything is alive)
Communion
And the house i'd never seen still looked the same
Then i found all my possessions by the fire
The physical world fell into place i had all i desired
All who died (and everything is alive)
All who died (and everything is alive)
Communion
The mind begins to doubt what the heart already knows
Reason gives into rhyme, mind begins to blow
Reoccurring people numbers faces
And i abandon all my need for explanation
All who died (and everything is alive)
All who died (and everything is alive)
Communion
All who died (and everything is alive)
All who died (and everything is alive)
All who died (and everything is alive)
All who died (and everything is alive)
Communion
"Communion" by Killing Joke is a song that deals with themes of spiritual awakening and enlightenment. The lyrics describe a moment of deep realization and understanding by the singer, who is seeing patterns in nature and in the world around them. The singer begins to lose control and all that they once considered important fades away as they enter into a state of communion with all that has passed away.
The first verse establishes the singer's heightened sense of perception, as they can see patterns in everything from the wind to the stars. However, this heightened awareness leads to a loss of control, and the singer begins to feel overwhelmed. They recognize the stains on their soul and the damage that has been done as a result of their ignorance. The repeated refrain of "All who died (and everything is alive) / Communion" suggests that the singer is starting to understand the interconnectedness of all things, and that their own consciousness is expanding to encompass the whole of existence.
The second verse describes a moment of clarity for the singer. They encounter a man who knows their name and a house they have never seen before, yet still feel like they have everything they desire. The repetition of "All who died (and everything is alive) / Communion" reinforces the singer's understanding of the oneness of creation. The final verse implies that the singer is transcending rational thinking and coming to a place of acceptance and surrender. They abandon their need for explanation and feel a profound sense of connection to all who have come before them.
Line by Line Meaning
I see patterns in the wind and in the sand
I observe the intricacies and designs of nature through the patterns displayed by the movement of wind and the formation of sand.
I see the stars, i read the clouds, i understand
I possess the knowledge and intuition to decipher the meaning behind the celestial bodies and atmospheric formations.
Then the madness overwhelmed (i lost control)
Suddenly, the insanity overtook me and I lost command of my mind and body.
It was cut out for each stain upon my soul
The madness was tailor-made to expose and bring attention to every blemish and imperfection within my soul.
All who died (and everything is alive)
The realization that even in death, all living things are connected and intertwined in a cycle of life and death.
I saw a man, i knew his face, he called my name
I glimpsed an individual whose visage I recognized, and who beckoned me by my name.
And the house i'd never seen still looked the same
Despite the fact that the home was unfamiliar to me, it held an appearance that I recognized and retained its continuity.
Then i found all my possessions by the fire
I discovered all my worldly possessions burning beside a loci of flames.
The physical world fell into place i had all i desired
Suddenly, the material world seemed to make perfect sense to me, as I had everything I desired.
The mind begins to doubt what the heart already knows
Initially, the brain hesitates to recognize or accept what the heart already discerns as true.
Reason gives into rhyme, mind begins to blow
Eventually, rationale acquiesces to emotions, and the mind spirals out of control.
Reoccurring people numbers faces
Familiar individuals, digits, and countenances reappear persistently.
And i abandon all my need for explanation
I relinquish the urge to rationalize or give justification for these phenomena.
All who died (and everything is alive)
Once more acknowledging that every living entity has a connection, even in passing.
All who died (and everything is alive)
As above.
All who died (and everything is alive)
Once again, reiterating the interrelation and connection of all livings things even in death.
All who died (and everything is alive)
Concluding this idea with an identical repetition.
Communion
As a unit, everything is interconnected and should be regarded as an extended congregation.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
RetroLongplayPit
I see patterns in the wind and in the sand
I see the stars, i read the clouds, i understand
Then the madness overwhelmed (i lost control)
It was cut out for each stain upon my soul
All who died (and everything is alive)
Communion
I saw a man, i knew his face, he called my name
And the house i'd never seen still looked the same
Then i found all my possessions by the fire
The physical world fell into place i had all i desired
The mind begins to doubt what the heart already knows
Reason gives into rhyme, mind begins to blow
Reoccurring people numbers faces
And i abandon all my need for explanation
RetroLongplayPit
I see patterns in the wind and in the sand
I see the stars, i read the clouds, i understand
Then the madness overwhelmed (i lost control)
It was cut out for each stain upon my soul
All who died (and everything is alive)
Communion
I saw a man, i knew his face, he called my name
And the house i'd never seen still looked the same
Then i found all my possessions by the fire
The physical world fell into place i had all i desired
The mind begins to doubt what the heart already knows
Reason gives into rhyme, mind begins to blow
Reoccurring people numbers faces
And i abandon all my need for explanation
Sean Balfour
Thanks for the lyric s one of my favourite tracks
Has such a ceremonial hum to it
Thanks man
whoa Bobz
Awesome! Thank you
Dr. Cogger McButtBrine
Love this track
John Caccioppo
Every song is a ritual, every man and woman a star.
Henry Griffen
Killing JOKE has inspired so many great bands, and i have met the band,and YOUTH,PAUL,GEORDIE, and JAZ were so humble, they talked to me like they have known me all my life
Anti-citixen-98
They seem like a great bunch!
Beelzebubbbbles
The percussion on this, those hand toms, lift it above the rest of the album. And of course, Geordie's riffs.
Vucskó Gábor
It's like the first and only one of this kind
Very unique music
Ontariosound
I read many years ago that a portion of the vocals on this album were actually recorded inside an Egyptian pyramid.