Killing Joke is an English post-punk group which formed in October 1978 in … Read Full Bio ↴Killing Joke is an English post-punk group which formed in October 1978 in Notting Hill, London, England. Founding members Jaz Coleman (vocals, keyboards) and Geordie Walker (guitars) have been the only constant members, with Geordie having died on the 26th of November 2023 in Prague following a stroke 2 days earlier.

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.

North Of The Border
Killing Joke Lyrics

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Scrape my nails across a brick
Scrape my nails across a brick

I'll describe my mornings in the early hours
My pulses are racing, my heart beats out loud
I am north of the border (and I'm cold and I sweat)
And I worry I worry what tomorrow will bring

Scrape my nails across a brick
Scrape my nails across a brick

I walk north of the border and step over the line
To a place of frustration (going out of my mind)
I've tried wearing bright colours to brighten my life
But the truth cuts through fashion, it cuts like a knife

Just look at our faces, yes they say more than words
We're so lost in our problems
We're so lost in our world
Yesterday - nothing
But today is o.k. - I've enough to survive on
Tomorrow's another day

Scrape my nails across a brick(x4)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Killing Joke's song North of the Border capture the feeling of uncertainty and anxiety in the face of an unknown future. The repetition of the line "scrape my nails across a brick" creates a sense of desperation and frustration. The singer describes their morning routine and their heart racing with worry about what the future may hold. The phrase "north of the border" signifies a place both physical and metaphorical, perhaps a boundary or limit beyond which the singer feels like they cannot go.

The singer is struggling with frustration and finds themselves walking over the line to a place of even greater frustration - a place where fashion and appearance are meaningless, and truth cuts through everything like a knife. They look around and see that everyone else is similarly lost and struggling, and yet, they reassure themselves that they have enough to survive another day. The song ends with the repeated refrain of "scrape my nails across a brick," which suggests a continued sense of desperation and feeling trapped.

Overall, "North of the Border" explores the struggle of people in a state of uncertainty and anxiety, unable to predict the future while trying to cope with everyday struggles. The lyrics suggest a perception of being stuck in the same place over and over again, and the frustration that comes with it.

Line by Line Meaning

Scrape my nails across a brick
A repeated call to cause oneself pain and tension, reflecting the hardship and struggle in the singer's life.

I'll describe my mornings in the early hours
The beginning of an introspective journey, describing the singer's deep thoughts and inner turmoil.

My pulses are racing, my heart beats out loud
The singer's heart is constantly beating with anxiety and stress, reflecting the constant worry and fear in their life.

I am north of the border (and I'm cold and I sweat)
The artist is in an unfamiliar place where they feel exposed and uncomfortable, causing physical discomfort and unease.

And I worry I worry what tomorrow will bring
The artist is consumed by anxious thoughts about the future, reflecting a sense of helplessness and fear of the unknown.

I walk north of the border and step over the line
The singer is taking a risk by crossing over into unknown territory, a metaphor for taking a risk in life.

To a place of frustration (going out of my mind)
The singer feels trapped and frustrated, slowly losing their grip on sanity as they struggle to find meaning and hope in their life.

I've tried wearing bright colours to brighten my life
A metaphor for trying to improve one's outlook on life, but finding that external changes do not always bring internal satisfaction.

But the truth cuts through fashion, it cuts like a knife
The artist realizes that superficial changes cannot hide the reality of their situation, causing them to feel exposed and vulnerable.

Just look at our faces, yes they say more than words
The artist and those around them are weighed down by their hardships, reflected in their faces and body language.

We're so lost in our problems
The singer recognizes that they and those around them are consumed by their difficulties and struggles, unable to see past them to find hope and joy.

Yesterday - nothing
The past holds no comfort or solace for the artist, reflecting a sense of hopelessness and helplessness.

But today is o.k. - I've enough to survive on
Despite ongoing difficulties, the singer finds comfort and solace in the present moment, recognizing that they have enough to get by.

Tomorrow's another day
A reflection on the cyclical nature of life, recognizing that each day brings new challenges and opportunities for growth and change.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: STEPHEN ALLEN DAVIS, STEVE DAVIS, BILLY SHERRILL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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