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.
Intellect
Killing Joke Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Acts of love are analyzed
Rites of passage rationalized
Reason then gives birth to lies
Don't pull me. don't pull me.
Don't pull me down
Don't pull me. don't pull me.
Don't pull me down
A dog doesn't question why he barks
Kiss my intellect goodbye(x4)
Kiss my
The mind creates monstrosities
Paradise makes the opposite
Constitution of my heart
A clear conscience all I need
Don't pull me. don't pull me.
Don't pull me down
Don't pull me. don't pull me.
Don't pull me down
A dog doesn't question why he barks
Kiss my intellect goodbye(x4)
Kiss my
To feel and cry, to move and run
To laugh at hate and overcome
To laugh at fate and go as one
I am happy in this state
Don't pull me. don't pull me.
Don't pull me down
Don't pull me. don't pull me.
Don't pull me down
A dog doesn't question why he barks
Kiss my intellect goodbye
Kiss my intellect goodbye
Kiss my intellect goodbye
Kiss my intellect goodbye
Kiss my intellect goodbye
Kiss my intellect goodbye
Kiss my intellect goodbye
Kiss my intellect goodbye
The lyrics in Killing Joke's song "Intellect" explore the conflict between reason and emotion, and the dehumanizing effects of over-intellectualization. The opening lines, "Gold rimmed glasses hypnotize / Acts of love are analyzed / Rites of passage rationalized / Reason then gives birth to lies," suggest that too much emphasis on logic and analysis can lead to a distortion of reality and a disconnect from human experience. The idea that "reason gives birth to lies" implies that our attempts to rationalize emotions and experiences can lead to a denial or suppression of those feelings.
The chorus, "Kiss my intellect goodbye," can be interpreted in a few different ways. On one level, it could be seen as a rejection of intellectualism altogether, a demand to be free from the tyranny of reason. On another level, it could be a plea for balance, a recognition that while intellect has its place, it must be tempered with empathy and emotion. The mention of a dog, which "doesn't question why he barks," reinforces this idea of a natural, instinctive way of being that humans may have lost touch with.
The final verse, with its call to "laugh at hate and overcome" and embrace a state of happiness and unity, suggests that the key to overcoming the rigidity of intellect is to connect with our emotions and our innate humanity. Overall, the lyrics of "Intellect" suggest that too much emphasis on reason and analysis can lead to a spiritual deadening, and that true wisdom comes from a balance of mind and heart.
Line by Line Meaning
Gold rimmed glasses hypnotize
The trappings of material success are seductive and can cloud one's judgment
Acts of love are analyzed
Sometimes we overthink matters of the heart, leading to confusion and stress
Rites of passage rationalized
The tradition and rituals that define our culture can sometimes obscure their true meaning and significance
Reason then gives birth to lies
Our rational minds can sometimes deceive us, leading to a distorted perception of reality
Don't pull me. don't pull me.
The singer is resisting the forces that seek to restrain or conform him
Don't pull me down
He wants to preserve his individuality and avoid succumbing to negative influences
A dog doesn't question why he barks
Animals don't second-guess their instincts or actions, and we can learn from their simplicity
Kiss my intellect goodbye(x4)
Kiss my
The singer is rejecting the pressure to be constantly logical and rational, instead embracing emotional and intuitive impulses
The mind creates monstrosities
The imagination can conjure up terrifying images and situations
Paradise makes the opposite
Utopian ideals often have unforeseen negative consequences
Constitution of my heart
The singer values the purity and authenticity of his emotional compass
A clear conscience all I need
The singer values ethical integrity above material or intellectual success
To feel and cry, to move and run
To laugh at hate and overcome
To laugh at fate and go as one
I am happy in this state
The singer celebrates the freedom and joy of being fully alive, despite the challenges of life
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ann Thorpe
Some days only Killing Joke will suffice. This is one of 'em !
SwampSurferPDX
Killing Joke is one of my all time fave bands, and this album is my fave from them along with Pandamonium
Brad Payne
This Song GOES OFF!
Andrew Phillips
There's not many dud-tracks on this album..............Quality!
pete Stone
awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MonstroMuggins
Looking so long for this song. Hanx for posting.
METNEM CDX
This is actually tune from 1981 by Sarlo Akrobata. look up "Decko koji obecava - Balada o tvrdim grudima"
RetroLongplayPit
Crafty buggers. I bet they didn't get sued for that one.
Fat Man Jackson
It certainly was an inspiration, but its not identical.
Uri Baduri
Its a inspiration for sure, it reallu reminds of that song from Serbian movie “Decko koji obecava”