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.
Corporate Elect
Killing Joke Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Wet dream of a new world order
Neo-feudal blueprints rise
We all got fooled again
It's an ADD generation
Everyone accepts
The re-introduction of slavery
Tyrant of me and mine
Dominion over our lives
Condemned of Solomone's mines
We all got fooled again
It's an ADD generation
Everyone accepts
The re-introduction of slavery
By a corporate elect
It's an ADD generation
Everyone accepts
The re-introduction of slavery
By a corporate elect
This is the fight back now
Free speech put the test by
Immoral psychopaths
We all got fooled again
It's an ADD generation
Everyone accepts
The re-introduction of slavery
By a corporate elect
It's an ADD generation
Everyone accepts
The re-introduction of slavery
By a corporate elect
The lyrics of Killing Joke's song "Corporate Elect" are a commentary on the state of modern society, specifically the control that powerful individuals and corporations exert over the lives of ordinary people. The opening lines, "Grand masters pulling strings, Wet dream of a new world order," suggest that the powers that be are orchestrating a plan that ultimately benefits them and not the larger population. The "neo-feudal blueprints" that are rising imply a return to a time when the wealthy and powerful had complete control over those under their rule.
The chorus of the song, "It's an ADD generation, Everyone accepts, The re-introduction of slavery, By a corporate elect," highlights the idea that people are so preoccupied with immediate gratification and distractions that they are willing to accept a loss of freedoms and rights. The "corporate elect" is the group of individuals who hold the most power in society, using their wealth and influence to make decisions that keep them at the top while ensuring others remain in a kind of modern-day slavery.
The call to action in the final verse, "This is the fight back now, Free speech put the test by immoral psychopaths," suggests that the only way to push back against this kind of control is to speak out against it. The battle is against those who are willing to silence or manipulate others for their gain, but it is also against the societal norms that allow this control to persist.
Line by Line Meaning
Grand masters pulling strings
Powerful individuals in control and manipulating things behind the scenes.
Wet dream of a new world order
A misguided and dangerous desire for a global government and controlled society.
Neo-feudal blueprints rise
The resurgence of a system of power and control similar to that of the middle ages.
We all got fooled again
People have been deceived and misled numerous times before, and it's happening again.
It's an ADD generation
A society that is overly distracted and lacks focus or attention to important issues.
Everyone accepts
People are complacent and not challenging the status quo.
The re-introduction of slavery
A form of servitude and control by a dominant ruling class over the general population.
By a corporate elect
A group of wealthy and influential individuals who have acquired power through their control of corporations.
Tyrant of me and mine
Someone who has taken control of personal freedoms and choices.
Dominion over our lives
Complete power and control over everyday aspects of life and society.
Condemned of Solomone's mines
Living and working conditions that are detrimental and dehumanizing.
This is the fight back now
It's time for people to resist and fight against oppression and control.
Free speech put the test by
The right to express oneself without censorship or restriction is being challenged.
Immoral psychopaths
People with no sense of morality or empathy for others.
We all got fooled again
People have been deceived and misled numerous times before, and it's happening again.
It's an ADD generation
A society that is overly distracted and lacks focus or attention to important issues.
Everyone accepts
People are complacent and not challenging the status quo.
The re-introduction of slavery
A form of servitude and control by a dominant ruling class over the general population.
By a corporate elect
A group of wealthy and influential individuals who have acquired power through their control of corporations.
Contributed by Aaron T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Tad Somato
Killing Joke. Accurately narrating the coming hellscape for 40+ years.
ex mcgee
Listen to "Revelations " and "Firedances " very prescient
ex mcgee
yep , Revelations , Firedance , Pandemonium , Brighter, , Hosannas ,
Absolute Dissent
etc the list goes on
Andrew Higdon
@roadkill5555556 another great song.
ObscuraPrima
@roadkill5555556 Might as well be.
Claudia Engelhardt
KJ is One of the most important Bands of all Time! Changed my Life and influenced me so much, Thank you for so much wonderful Songs!
Phil Bechat
Killing Joke is as a great wine, the older its get, the better it gets.
Peter Lancaster
Ditto!👍👌
Patrick Romano Williams
DAMN STRAIGHT.
Douglas Johnson
Yes sir!