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.

This World Hell
Killing Joke Lyrics

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Everybody's keeping quiet
Why has it come to this?
They're using food as a weapon
Black blood, rage in the streets

This world hell. Die, long pig!

The iron hand of man is rising

And a concrete fist is calling
And an evil moon is rising
I am choking with disgust

This world hell. Die, long pig!

Draw them in with words of honey
No more pain of debts
Let us all return to nature
And we'll share out all the spoils

This world hell. Die, long pig!

And you'll never ever get to see heaven...

Overall Meaning

The Killing Joke's song "This World Hell" is an intense criticism of the state of the world, particularly the corruption, inequality, and violence that pervades modern society. The song's first two lines ("Everybody's keeping quiet / Why has it come to this?") suggest a sense of apathy and resignation, as if people have given up trying to change things. The next two lines ("They're using food as a weapon / Black blood, rage in the streets") are a reference to the way in which the wealthy and powerful control and manipulate the less fortunate, resulting in widespread anger and violence.

The song's refrain, "This world hell. Die, long pig!", is a brutal condemnation of the current state of affairs. It expresses a desire to see an end to the injustices that exist and a longing for a new, more just world. The second verse of the song ("The iron hand of man is rising / And a concrete fist is calling / And an evil moon is rising / I am choking with disgust") builds on this sense of despair, painting a picture of a world dominated by oppressive forces and a population consumed by hopelessness and disgust.

The final verse of the song ("Draw them in with words of honey / No more pain of debts / Let us all return to nature / And we'll share out all the spoils") presents a vision of a new, better world. The lyrics suggest that the solution to the problems of our current world lies in returning to nature and sharing resources fairly. The last line ("And you'll never ever get to see heaven...") is a haunting reminder of the dire consequences of failing to act and take responsibility for our world.

Line by Line Meaning

Everybody's keeping quiet
People remain silent and do not actively oppose the negative situations around them.

Why has it come to this?
Questioning the current state and condition of the world and how it reached its current state.

They're using food as a weapon
Food is being manipulated as a tool to control people and oppress them.

Black blood, rage in the streets
The chaos and anger in society is intensifying and becoming more violent and destructive.

This world hell. Die, long pig!
The world is in such a state of chaos and destruction that it is a living hell, and there is a desire to end this and bring justice to those who have caused it.

The iron hand of man is rising
The symbol of oppressive force from humanity is growing and becoming more powerful.

And a concrete fist is calling
The symbol of oppression is becoming more visible and assertive.

And an evil moon is rising
An ominous and dangerous force is coming into power.

I am choking with disgust
The overwhelming feeling of disgust and despair over the state of society and the world.

Draw them in with words of honey
Manipulating people with sweet and appealing words to convince them to give up their values and beliefs.

No more pain of debts
Ending the current system of debt and its related suffering.

Let us all return to nature
Bringing society back to a more natural and pure state.

And we'll share out all the spoils
Sharing the resources and wealth of society more equally amongst all people.

This world hell. Die, long pig!
Reiterating that the world is currently a living hell, and there is a desire to take the just action to end it.

And you'll never ever get to see heaven...
The sadness that the current state of the world will never allow for a better future or a world of peace and happiness.

Contributed by Aaliyah E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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