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.
Fun & Games
Killing Joke Lyrics
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Noon is shining you want fun and games
Hear the voices inside your head
Let's play wild - volatile
Get out my way - we go - take back
Those ways - you know
Fun and games come out to play
Fun and games for unknown days
And the nightfires burning and you're on your feet
All the boys and girls - look in their eye
Domestication - lost overnight
Games get bigger all the time
Games get bigger all the time
Because the playpens falling - stakes are high
And the child will conquer - step by step
Let's play wild - volatile
Fun and games come out to play
Fun and games
The lyrics of the Killing Joke song "Fun and Games" express an urge for rebellion against domestication and conformity. The song begins with a reference to the time of twilight, a moment of transition and uncertainty, suggesting that the singer is at a crossroads in their life. They then proclaim a desire for fun and games, a sentiment that seems innocent enough, but takes on a darker edge as they declare their readiness to be wild and volatile, and to take back the ways that have been lost. The voices inside their head may be their own untamed impulses or the pressures of society that push them toward conformity. Either way, they reject it and choose to pursue the unknown, the unpredictable.
The second half of the song describes the singer joining their companions on the streets, where the fires of rebellion burn. The boys and girls there have lost their domestication overnight, suggesting that they have broken free from the expectations of their upbringing and are now united in a common cause. The games they play have become larger and more complex, perhaps indicating a growing awareness of the stakes involved. They are playing not just for fun and diversion, but for their very survival. The child will conquer, step by step, as they learn to resist the forces of oppression and stand up for their own autonomy.
Line by Line Meaning
Twilight open and you're on your own
As darkness approaches, you are left to face the challenges of life alone.
Noon is shining you want fun and games
When everything seems to be going well, you tend to seek enjoyment and entertainment.
Hear the voices inside your head
You have conflicting thoughts and emotions that affect your decisions and actions.
Let's play wild - volatile
Let's engage in reckless behavior and risk-taking.
Get out my way - we go - take back
Remove any obstacles that prevent you from achieving your objectives.
Those ways - you know
You are aware of the methods and strategies required to succeed.
Fun and games come out to play
Playtime and amusement are readily available to indulge in.
Fun and games for unknown days
The enjoyment and entertainment could last for an unpredictable amount of time.
Then you join your playmates in the street
You socialize with others who share similar interests and pursuits.
And the nightfires burning and you're on your feet
As the excitement and thrill intensify, you remain energized and alert.
All the boys and girls - look in their eye
Everyone is eagerly participating and excited to be part of the experience.
Domestication - lost overnight
The civilized and controlled lifestyle you've been accustomed to is suddenly gone.
Games get bigger all the time
The level of danger and risk increases as the stakes get higher.
Because the playpens falling - stakes are high
The previously established boundaries are gone, and the risks are greater.
And the child will conquer - step by step
Those willing to take the next step and accept the risks will eventually emerge victorious.
Let's play wild - volatile
Let's continue the reckless and risky behavior.
Fun and games come out to play
The entertainment and enjoyment continue.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JEREMY COLEMAN, KEVIN WALKER, MATTHEW FERGUSON, PAUL VINCENT RAVEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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