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.
Have A Nice Day
Killing Joke Lyrics
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Drastic measures taken round by all
Four years - four minutes still turns my insides out
I can't help thinking of the cowering families
Inside the hatred builds
Spit out the contents later
So we can - Have a nice day now
Recollections, anticipated days
The poor old cloth capped man had problems
Fitting in pitch fork victories in the next campaign
And down his garden path he stopped dead in his tracks
I saw the old man's face so sad
Extreme nature panic plays anothertune
Drastic measures taken round by all
Four years - four minutes still turns my insides out
I can't help thinking of the cowering families
Inside the hatred builds
Spit out the contents later
So we can - Have a nice day now
The lyrics to Killing Joke's "Have A Nice Day" deal with the idea of extreme nature panic and the drastic measures that are taken because of it. The song starts with the line "Extreme nature panic plays another tune" which immediately sets the tone for the song. The lyrics seem to describe a world that is full of fear and paranoia, where people are constantly on high alert and taking measures to protect themselves.
The line "Four years - four minutes still turns my insides out" suggests that the fear is long-lasting and deeply ingrained. The idea of "cowering families" also adds to the sense of terror described in the song. However, the lyrics take an interesting turn when they advise us to "spit out the contents later / So we can - Have a nice day now". This seems to suggest that despite the fear and panic, people are still expected to carry on with their lives and enjoy themselves.
The second half of the lyrics deal with a conversation the singer has with an old man at a gate. The old man seems to be reminiscing about his past and is struggling to fit in with the new world around him. The line "fitting in pitch fork victories in the next campaign" suggests that the old man is out of touch with modern life and is struggling to keep up.
Overall, the lyrics to "Have A Nice Day" paint a picture of a world full of fear and paranoia. Despite the terror that surrounds them, people are still expected to carry on with their lives and enjoy themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
Extreme nature panic plays another tune
People are driven to extreme measures due to the constantly changing world around them
Drastic measures taken round by all
Everyone is taking extreme steps to protect themselves
Four years - four minutes still turns my insides out
The traumatic event that happened four years ago still haunts and affects me emotionally
I can't help thinking of the cowering families
I can't stop thinking about the innocent people who are suffering due to the actions of others
Inside the hatred builds
Despite the attempt to suppress it, hatred continues to grow inside people
Spit out the contents later
People will eventually reveal their true emotions and feelings
So we can - Have a nice day now
We try to put on a façade of happiness and normalcy, despite the turmoil happening around us
I had a word with the old man at the gate
I had a conversation with someone who has been around for a long time
Recollections, anticipated days
Memories of the past and expectations for the future
The poor old cloth capped man had problems
The elderly man who wore a simple hat had his own issues and difficulties
Fitting in pitch fork victories in the next campaign
Trying to squeeze in past achievements in a future situation where they may not be relevant
And down his garden path he stopped dead in his tracks
He suddenly came to a stop while walking down his garden path
I saw the old man's face so sad
His expression conveyed a deep sadness
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JEREMY COLEMAN, MATTHEW FERGUSON, MARTIN GLOVER, KEVIN WALKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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