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.
In Excelsis
Killing Joke Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The glorious pursuit of happiness
The rights of free speech by consent
The right to express discontent
The glory of freedom, simple liberties
In excelsis
The rights of man to eat and drink and breathe
The glory of freedom
The glory of freedom
In excelsis
In excelsis
The glorious pursuit of happiness
In excelsis
In excelsis
In excelsis
In excelsis
Liberty our common goal
Smash the cabals that control
This world is ours
We won't be sold
No profit, interest or loans
The glory of freedom, simple liberties
In excelsis
The rights of man to eat and drink and breathe
In excelsis
The glory of freedom
The glory of freedom
In excelsis
In excelsis
The glorious pursuit of happiness
In excelsis
In excelsis
In excelsis
In excelsis
The glory of freedom, simple liberties
In excelsis
The rights of man to eat and drink and breathe
In excelsis
The glory of freedom
The glory of freedom
In excelsis
In excelsis
The glorious pursuit of happiness
In excelsis
In excelsis
In excelsis
In excelsis
The lyrics of Killing Joke's "In Excelsis" are a rallying cry for individual freedom and rebellion against oppressive powers. The first verse speaks to the importance of protecting liberty and the pursuit of happiness, as well as the right to free speech and to express dissent. The repetition of the phrase "in excelsis" throughout the song reinforces the idea of elevated or transcendent freedom. The second verse focuses on the need to overthrow those who control the world through profit, interest, and loans, and the declaration that this world belongs to the people.
The chorus repeats the idea that freedom and basic human rights are to be celebrated and protected, emphasizing the simplicity of these liberties. The phrase "in excelsis" is used here to reinforce the idea that these rights are not just important, but are on a higher level, beyond what any oppressive power can take away. The last verse repeats the idea of the glory of freedom and basic human rights, emphasizing the importance of the pursuit of happiness.
Overall, the lyrics of "In Excelsis" are a proclamation of the importance of individual freedom and rebellion against oppressive powers. It's a call to action, urging listeners to resist those who seek to control us and to protect our basic rights and liberties.
Line by Line Meaning
Liberty is ours to protect
We have the responsibility to safeguard our freedoms and fight against any forces that try to take them away.
The glorious pursuit of happiness
Everyone has the right to pursue happiness and lead a fulfilling life.
The rights of free speech by consent
We have the liberty to express ourselves freely, but we also need to respect the boundaries of others.
The right to express discontent
We have the right to voice our grievances and speak out against injustice.
Liberty our common goal
We all strive for freedom and equality for ourselves and for others.
Smash the cabals that control
We need to break down oppressive systems and power structures that keep people from being truly free.
This world is ours
We have the power to shape the world we live in and create a better future for ourselves and generations to come.
We won't be sold
We refuse to be manipulated or controlled by those who seek to profit off of our labor and suffering.
No profit, interest or loans
We reject capitalist systems that prioritize profit over people's well-being and perpetuate inequality.
Contributed by Sadie W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Paul Thrupp
wicked tune without a doubt to be played at very high volume in a quiet suburban neighbourhood yes!!!!! love it
buzzcrushtrendkill
Damn, this album is as good or better than anything they've ever done. Awesome
Bruce Banner
They get better with age..
Jason B.
In an alternate universe, someone with excellent taste smeared this song into the hearts and minds of people via the radio. In that universe, the bar was set very high.
newforest pixie
10 years since I got this Album ‘ sent to my glorious mobile phone ‘ by download. Time flies. Awesome Work all of them on here. My lad of 10 when hearing this would join in “ we hate Chelsea “ ...he hasn’t grown out of following AFC Bournemouth. My mum supported CFC . I support KJ 😀
pure objective glacial
THANK YOU AND BLESS YOU JAZ. MAY YOU ALWAYS BE KNOWN AS A GREAT FRIEND OF THE LIBERTIES OF HUMANKIND
nevets 4ever
The Killing Joke Trilogy: Adorations....Requiem.....In Excelsis
Peter Rawcliffe
love this
jean-marie piaget
Brilliant.
Community Roots Permaculture Project
A sheer Joy!