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.
Complications
Killing Joke Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
From my penthouse window
It's different now
Because you got no shelter
Alienation
By experimentation
Enjoy yourself
This is the new age
Lens in the bath
Of a new destruction
It's different now
It's what we always wanted
Alienation
Self-destruct
At the count of ten
Complication
See the sun turn green
From my penthouse window
It's different now
Because you got no shelter
Alienation
Enjoy yourself
This is your new age
Complication
The lyrics to Killing Joke's song "Complications" are a reflection of the societal and political turmoil of the time in which it was written. The song speaks to the alienation and experimentation that many people were feeling during the new wave era of the late 70s and early 80s. The line "See the sun turn green from my penthouse window" suggests a detachment from reality and a sense of apathy toward the world outside. The singer seems to regard their privileged position as a shield from the problems that plague the rest of society.
However, the repetition of the phrase "It's different now" suggests that even those who were shielded from the world's problems were not immune to their effects. The line "Because you got no shelter" could be interpreted as a commentary on the lack of compassion shown by those in positions of power toward those who were suffering.
The line "This is the new age" is significant as it speaks to the optimism and idealism of the time. The idea that society was on the cusp of something new and exciting was a common theme in new wave and post-punk music. However, the line "Complication" suggests a sense of ambivalence toward these changes. The lens in the bath could be interpreted as a symbol of seeing things in a new light, but it is also a destructive act.
Despite the song's ambivalent tone, it ultimately encourages listeners to enjoy themselves and embrace the new age of experimentation and change.
Line by Line Meaning
See the sun turn green
The world is changing rapidly and unpredictably, marked by strange phenomena.
From my penthouse window
The singer is privileged and detached from the world's problems.
It's different now
Things have changed for the worse, and they are not going back to the way they were.
Because you got no shelter
The vulnerable and marginalized have been left behind and have no protection.
Alienation
A feeling of disconnection and isolation from society and oneself.
By experimentation
Society is experimenting with new ideas and lifestyles, leading to unforeseen consequences.
Enjoy yourself
Society is encouraging hedonism and the pursuit of pleasure as a way to cope with the chaos.
This is the new age
The world has entered a new era marked by uncertainty and upheaval.
Complication
Life has become more complex and difficult to navigate.
Lens in the bath
The artist is observing the world through a distorted lens that makes everything seem surreal and unsettling.
Of a new destruction
The changes that are happening are destructive and damaging to society and the environment.
It's what we always wanted
The changes are the result of a desire for progress and innovation, but they have come at a great cost.
Self-destruct
Society is careening towards self-destruction as the consequences of its actions catch up with it.
At the count of ten
The singer is counting down to the moment when the world will reach its breaking point.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JEREMY COLEMAN, MATTHEW FERGUSON, MARTIN GLOVER, KEVIN WALKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
NebulusLabyrinth79
See the sun turn green
From my penthouse window
It's different now
Because you got no shelter
Alienation
By experimentation
Enjoy yourself
This is the new age
Complication!
Ransom the birth
Of a new destruction
It's different now
It's what we always wanted
Alienation
Self-destruct
At the count of ten
Complication!
See the sun turn green
From my penthouse window
It's different now
Because you got no shelter
Alienation
Enjoy yourself
This is your new age
Jason S
My favourite Joke song, always has and will be, utter quality.
Benedetto Bruno
Always and forever, thank you to Great Britain and the British people whose creativity, since the 1960s, has given the rest of the World hundreds of unique bands such as the Killing Joke and music of unparalleled beauty, quirkiness and atmosphere. What would our lives have been without British bands? Thank you from Sicily.
Frederic Milenkovic
Absolutely true Bruno
UnderSeaShadow
Great things can come out of darkness & social inequality. 🌞
Duncan Wright
Our pleasure Benedetto
Juande Ruiz Navas
100% agree. Thanks from Málaga.
Omar Flores Mota
All i can say is that you're absolutly right!
One True Vikingbard
one of the best punk/industrial bands ever!
Ranjeef
Thee best!
soulminer 1970
Greatest band of all time relevant in 1979 still relevant more than ever in 2018.