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.
Gratitude
Killing Joke Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let me tell you of the meanings of our tribe
A dream unspoken, a promised kept the secret comes
Alive
For all the years I've watched your back and you've watched mine
We always knew the clouds would part and a golden dawn will
Shine
And when you find yourself alont the untrodden path
Remember me with a smile, and drink, a gesture or a laugh
Gratitude
You look at me but I've been looking at you
We only were a mirror to show what you could do
O innovator, o enlightened scolar play and write
Rewrite the old books, rennaisance perform new rites of light
And when you find yourself alont the untrodden path
Remember me with a smile, and drink, a gesture or a laugh
Gratitude
The wise will redefine paradise
Farmer and the visionary, a village - simple lives
Adapting to strange seasons in certain remote regions
Where no-one has exemption from total redemption
And when you find yourself alont the untrodden path
Remember me with a smile, a drink, a gesture or a laugh
And a toast for the man who loves every hour of every day
And a feast for the friends and faces met along way
Gratitude
The song Gratitude by Killing Joke is a tribute to the strong bond of brotherhood and solidarity among the band and their fans. The lyrics speak of a deep connection shared between the band and their fans, emphasizing on the importance of gratitude for each other's support through lyrics like "Let me tell you about the hearts of my people" and "For all the years I've watched your back and you've watched mine". The band highlights their appreciation for their fans - "And when you find yourself alone on the untrodden path, Remember me with a smile, and drink, a gesture or a laugh," signifying that they are always there for them, whether in success or failure.
The song also touches upon the theme of innovation and enlightenment, calling out for a renaissance of sorts where the old is rewritten and new ways of life are adopted. The lyrics "o innovator, o enlightened scolar play and write Rewrite the old books, rennaisance perform new rites of light" convey the idea that progress and growth are necessary, and it's important to move forward and embrace the new.
Line by Line Meaning
Let me tell you about the hearts of my people
Allow me to describe the empathetic nature of my community
Let me tell you of the meanings of our tribe
Permit me to reveal the significance behind our collective beliefs
A dream unspoken, a promised kept the secret comes Alive
An undisclosed aspiration has materialized as a result of a vow that was upheld
For all the years I've watched your back and you've watched mine We always knew the clouds would part and a golden dawn will Shine
Throughout the duration that I have been a confidant for you and vice versa, we have been aware that misfortunes will dissipate, and a better future awaits us
And when you find yourself alont the untrodden path Remember me with a smile, and drink, a gesture or a laugh Gratitude
If you ever end up traveling down a new and unfamiliar route, look back at our time together with happiness, and remember our experiences fondly
You look at me but I've been looking at you We only were a mirror to show what you could do O innovator, o enlightened scolar play and write Rewrite the old books, rennaisance perform new rites of light
While gazing at you, it dawned on me that you were capable of extraordinary things. As someone who is brilliant and knowledgeable, challenge conventional thinking, author new texts, and create innovative works of illumination
The wise will redefine paradise Farmer and the visionary, a village - simple lives Adapting to strange seasons in certain remote regions Where no-one has exemption from total redemption
Sage individuals will modify the definition of heaven. Inhabitants like farmers and forward-thinkers who live rustic lives will adjust to unfamiliar conditions in far-removed areas where nobody is immune to transformation
And a toast for the man who loves every hour of every day And a feast for the friends and faces met along way Gratitude
Cheers to the individual who cherishes every moment they have. Let us celebrate the people we've encountered throughout our journey
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: GEORDIE WALKER, JAZ COLEMAN, PAUL RAVEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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