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.
Tomorrow's World
Killing Joke Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Picture - the golden age
Letter - on your doorstep
Called up - for your country
Never no I don't wanna - no
Horror - don't let me go on
Mommy - they'll take his pain away
Called up - for your country
Never no I don't wanna - no
Take - aim - and - fire
Killing Joke's song Tomorrow's World paints a dystopian image of a future society where citizens are at the mercy of those in power. The first two lines, "Picture - sent back live, Picture - the golden age" suggests that this is a message from the future to the present, a warning to avoid the terrible fate that awaits. The next line, "Letter - on your doorstep" indicates that this message is personal, directed at the listener. The following line, "Called up - for your country" implies that there is a looming war in this future society and citizens are being conscripted to fight for their country.
The next set of lines, "Never no I don't wanna - no, Horror - don't let me go on, Mommy - they'll take his pain away, Carry us - face the music" reveals the fear and horror that the citizens are experiencing. The first line implies that the person does not want to go to war. The second line emphasizes the horror and the implication that the individual's life may be at risk. The third line suggests that loved ones watching may have to bear the pain of watching their loved ones go off to war. The fourth line implies that everyone must deal with the outcome despite how horrific it may be.
The song ends with the repeated lines, "Called up - for your country, Never no I don't wanna - no, Take - aim - and - fire." These lines capture the sense of resignation and hopelessness that accompanies this future society, where citizens can't escape their fate and their only choice is to fight or die.
Line by Line Meaning
Picture - sent back live
Imagine being put in a situation where you are forced to face the harsh realities of life, where everything is not perfect and the world is not as kind as it seems.
Picture - the golden age
Reminiscing about the past and the times that were seemingly happier and more carefree while being reminded of the stark contrast to the present.
Letter - on your doorstep
Receiving news or communication that could potentially change your life, highlighting the importance of always being aware and prepared for any situation.
Called up - for your country
Being called to serve your country and being forced to make sacrifices that may come with grave consequences and emotional turmoil.
Never no I don't wanna - no
Expressing a sense of reluctance and fear towards the potential outcomes of a situation, emphasizing the importance of standing up for oneself and protecting their own interests.
Horror - don't let me go on
Being in a state of horror and despair due to the traumatic experiences faced in life, and the desire to not have to continue facing such hardships.
Mommy - they'll take his pain away
Expressing a need for comfort and protection from the world's problems, while acknowledging that such comfort can only provide temporary relief from the harsh realities of life.
Carry us - face the music
Acknowledging the struggles of life and the need to face them head-on, while hoping that someone or something can provide a sense of support and guidance to make the journey easier.
Take - aim - and - fire
Being thrust into a situation where one is forced to take action, make decisions and be held accountable for their actions, even if the consequences are dire.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JEREMY COLEMAN, MATTHEW FERGUSON, MARTIN GLOVER, KEVIN WALKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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