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.

tension
Killing Joke Lyrics

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Sitting in my armchair thinking again and again and again
Going round in a circle I can't get out
Then I look around thinking day and night and day
Then you look around - there must be some explanation

And the tension builds
Take advantage - let nothing be fantasy
How do you grow as you stunt your growth?

Nothing you say makes sense anymore

Then you look around - there must be some explanation
And the tension builds
Sitting in my armchair thinking again and again and again
Going round in a circle we can't get out

Then I look around thinking day and night and day

Then you look around - there's nothing left to say
And the tension builds!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Killing Joke's "Tension" seem to describe a state of mental stagnation and unease. The singer is stuck in a repetitive cycle of thought, unable to break free from it. They are searching for an explanation, possibly for their own mental state, but finding none. The tension builds throughout the song, as the singer becomes more frustrated with their own inability to move forward.

The repeated line, "sitting in my armchair thinking again and again and again" emphasizes the sense of being trapped in one's own thoughts. The circular imagery adds to this feeling of being stuck in a rut. The line "how do you grow as you stunt your growth?" highlights the paradox of wanting to move forward but feeling unable to do so.

The song's title, "Tension," is fitting for the mood it creates. The buildup of tension throughout the song reflects the emotional state of the singer. The lack of resolution in the lyrics also contributes to this tense atmosphere.

Overall, "Tension" is a powerful portrayal of a mental state that many people can relate to. It captures the frustration and unease of feeling stuck in one's own thoughts and unable to break free.

Line by Line Meaning

Sitting in my armchair thinking again and again and again
Engaging in persistent, obsessive thinking while in a state of inactivity

Going round in a circle I can't get out
Feeling trapped in a cycle of repetitive thoughts and actions

Then I look around thinking day and night and day
Continuously contemplating one's surroundings and experiences

Then you look around - there must be some explanation
Feeling a sense of confusion or bewilderment about one's circumstances

And the tension builds
Feeling an increasing level of stress or pressure

Take advantage - let nothing be fantasy
Encouraging a mentality of action and realism rather than idealization

How do you grow as you stunt your growth?
Questioning the effectiveness of one's current behavior or mindset

Nothing you say makes sense anymore
Feeling a loss of coherence or clarity in one's thoughts or communication

Then you look around - there's nothing left to say
Experiencing a sense of emotional exhaustion or speechlessness

Going round in a circle we can't get out
Continuing in a self-perpetuating cycle of unproductive thoughts or actions

And the tension builds!
Experiencing a heightened level of stress or pressure

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JEREMY COLEMAN, MATTHEW FERGUSON, MARTIN GLOVER, KEVIN WALKER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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