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.
Europe
Killing Joke Lyrics
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A black sun is rising as the gods of europe sleep
Come back into your strength awaken
Catastrophes atrocities shall summon you my love
Glory glory how we wait in europe
What have they done, what are they doing?
The place I love so butchered ravaged scarred and raped
The years have passed us still we're fighting
Glory glory how we wait in europe
Glory glory how we watch in europe
The day humanity is over
Let nations east and west tremble at the sight
'til standard bearers' eyes are hungry
And reason dead forever - god let it be soon
The lyrics to Killing Joke's song "Europe" are a call to action for Europe to wake up and recognize the atrocities and catastrophes happening around them. The song urges the people to take up their arms and their courage, as a black sun representing evil rises while the gods of Europe sleep. The lyrics speak of the love the singer has for Europe, despite the fact that the place they love has been butchered, ravaged, scarred, and raped. The singer acknowledges that the fighting has been going on for years, but they continue to wait for the day when somewhere green lands shall be in sight.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "Glory glory how we wait in Europe" twice. This repetition emphasizes the waiting and the urgency of the situation, as well as the hope that someday Europe will be restored to its former glory. The next line, "Glory glory how we watch in Europe," suggests a sense of helplessness or resignation, as they watch the world around them deteriorating.
The final verse of the song imagines a world in which humanity is over and nations from east to west tremble at the sight. The standard bearers' eyes are hungry, and reason is dead forever. The plea of "God let it be soon," is a dark and disturbing view of what the future could hold if Europe continues to sleep and ignore the atrocities happening in their midst.
Overall, "Europe" is a powerful and emotional plea for action in the face of unspeakable evil. The lyrics reflect a sense of urgency and despair, but also a glimmer of hope for a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
Take up your arms pick up your courage
Get ready and be brave
A black sun is rising as the gods of europe sleep
Something bad is happening while those in power are unaware
Come back into your strength awaken
Wake up and gather your power
Catastrophes atrocities shall summon you my love
Disasters will call for you to act
Glory glory how we wait in europe
We are waiting for something great to happen, filled with glory
What have they done, what are they doing?
What have those in power done or doing to us?
The place I love so butchered ravaged scarred and raped
My beloved homeland has been destroyed and harmed so much
The years have passed us still we're fighting
Even after all these years of struggle, we are still fighting
'til once again somewhere green lands shall be in sight
We will fight until we see a peaceful future
Glory glory how we wait in europe
We are waiting for something great to happen, filled with glory
Glory glory how we watch in europe
We are watching out for this great event
The day humanity is over
When humanity has reached its end
Let nations east and west tremble at the sight
The whole world should be afraid of this event
'til standard bearers' eyes are hungry
Until the leaders demand for something different
And reason dead forever - god let it be soon
When logic and peace are gone, let the end be soon
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JEREMY COLEMAN, MATTHEW FERGUSON, PAUL VINCENT RAVEN, KEVIN WALKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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