Requiem
Killing Joke Lyrics

The lyrics to Killing Joke's song "Requiem" focus on the idea of the dehumanization of individuals in modern society. The opening line of "Man watching video, the clock keeps on ticking" creates a sense of monotony and repetitiveness that is characteristic of modern life. The image of the man watching video suggests a lack of engagement with the world around him, as he is consumed by the digital world. He is unaware of his own purpose and, as the lyrics state, "He doesn't know why he's just cattle for slaughter."

The chorus of "The requiem" suggests that this monotony and dehumanization have reached a point where death is the only escape or release. The lines "When the meaningful words, when they cease to function, when there's nothing to say, when will it start bothering you?" highlights the loss of meaning in our language and culture, which leaves individuals feeling disconnected and purposeless. One interesting aspect of this song is that the chorus, "The requiem," is repeated four times as if to create a litany or a prayer for the dead.

The final verse of the song adds a religious element to the theme of dehumanization. The line "Only a hint of religion uncensors to its false depravity" suggests that religion has become a tool for manipulation, used to control and dehumanize individuals. The sound of breaking glass is a reflection of the brokenness of the world, and the need for a requiem or a funeral to acknowledge the loss of humanity.