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.
Love of the Masses
Killing Joke Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Through sun and steel our lives transforming
To forge a link flow backwards to our source
And forfeit self amongst the masses
Why do we love them?
Love of the masses
The people clamour for a loser
WIth joy and sorrow mixed we realize
That epace shall come by sacrifice
Why do we love them?
Love of the masses
As proud as heroes walking hand in hand
The common destiny we're sharing
And all affected without prejudice
Shall forfeit self amongst the masses
Why do we love them?
Love of the masses.
The lyrics to Killing Joke's song Love of the Masses, on the surface, appear to be a celebration of the power and unity of the masses. But upon closer inspection, they reveal a scathing critique of the way in which people subjugate themselves to this collective, sacrificing their individuality and critical thinking in the process. The song starts with the image of young men and women moving through sun and steel, suggesting that they are engaged in a difficult journey or quest. The use of the phrase "our lives transforming" suggests that the journey is transformative and that the individuals are changing as they move through it. However, this transformation comes at a cost - the line "forfeit self amongst the masses" suggests that the individuals are giving up their sense of self and identity in order to become a faceless part of the collective whole.
The chorus, "why do we love them? love of the masses" is a question that is asked but not answered. It seems to suggest that there is something about this group mentality that is inherently appealing, despite the fact that it requires the sacrifice of individuality. In the second verse, the song references the "timeless rivalry" that exists between people, and how this rivalry is sustained by the fact that "the people clamour for a loser". The line "pace shall come by sacrifice" highlights the idea that progress is only possible when individuals are willing to put aside their own needs and desires for the greater good of the group.
Towards the end of the song, the lyrics describe the collective destiny that is shared by all, suggesting that this destiny is one that is chosen for individuals rather than chosen by individuals. The phrase "all affected without prejudice" suggests that the collective whole takes precedence over the individual, regardless of who that individual is. Finally, the song ends with the same chorus line repeated over and over again, a reminder that the love of the masses is a powerful force that can overwhelm individual will and desire.
Line by Line Meaning
Around, around, young men and women move
People move and circle around in life in repetition
Through sun and steel our lives transforming
Our lives transform through both good and bad times
To forge a link flow backwards to our source
To connect with our origins through our present
And forfeit self amongst the masses
To lose individual identity and become one with the crowd
Why do we love them?
What makes us love the masses?
Love of the masses
We love the masses because of the power of groupthink
They fight and play in timeless rivalry
People constantly compete and play against one another
The people clamour for a loser
The crowd enjoys seeing someone lose
WIth joy and sorrow mixed we realize
We understand that there's a balance of emotions in life
That epace shall come by sacrifice
Peace can only come through sacrifice
As proud as heroes walking hand in hand
We walk together with pride as a group
The common destiny we're sharing
We share a mutual fate
And all affected without prejudice
Everyone is impacted regardless of their differences
Shall forfeit self amongst the masses
Individuality is sacrificed to become part of the group
Why do we love them?
What is it about the masses that we love?
Love of the masses.
We love the power and camaraderie that comes with being part of a group.
Lyrics Ā© Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JEREMY COLEMAN, MATTHEW FERGUSON, PAUL VINCENT RAVEN, KEVIN WALKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Emulous79
Around, around, young men and women move
Through sun and steel our lives transforming
To forge a link flow backwards to our source
And forfeit self amongst the masses
Why do we love them?
Love of the masses
They fight and play in timeless rivalry
The people clamour for a loser
WIth joy and sorrow mixed we realize
That peace shall come by sacrifice (EDIT: peace!)
Why do we love them?
Love of the masses
As proud as heroes walking hand in hand
The common destiny we're sharing
And all affected without prejudice
Shall forfeit self amongst the masses
Why do we love them?
Love of the masses
@williamdavis7546
This musical piece and " Sanity " are beautiful beyond words. I'm 54 and these songs tear at my heart still. Thank you KJ.
@eddyfeys2283
idd super album
@cffalconer
Been listening to BTATS for decades love it ā¤
@tzt1182
To think they hated this album after releasing it. I love this album. So many great songs from top to bottom.
@drewrosecrans9728
My favorite album! My friend turned me on to killing joke back in 1986 & I was hooked hand's down! I was 19 when I bought this on cassette!
@michelamasina182
ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SONG I HAVE EVER HEARD IN MY LIFE !šš¤
@eddyfeys2283
idd ken kj van 78 deze is mooi!
@thetension4882
The whole "Brighter Than a Thousand Suns" album is a solemnly and sublime piece of music. However my absolute favorite is Chessboards, closely followed by Love of the Masses.
@eddyfeys2283
super thing!!
@darbycrash726
The whole album is driven by that bassline, it weaves itself through every song.