Strongly interested and outspoken about green anarchism issues the band have built up a strong and devoted fanbase, despite being nearly universally ignored by mainstream critics. The band have been spokespeople for a number of issues including campaigning against the Criminal Justice Act (and its measures against rave parties) and various anti-capitalist and environmental issues. They continue to tour extensively around Britain and Europe but maintain a mutual dislike with the music press which stems from their early days.
Believers
Levellers Lyrics
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About the things to believe in
The thoughts of the ancients Just couldn't be
Without changes in rhythm and time
If you put all the prophets
Mystics and saints
In one room together
There'd be so much more reason
Out of all of the conflicts of time
Anybody out there
Anybody out there
Well I wouldn't mind But you fail to agree
About the things that you're doing
The thoughts of the ancients never could be
Without changes in context and time
Anybody out there
Anybody out there
Going to hear the sound of a dispossessed voice
Lend them your voice
Fools and their leaders they have no doubts
The truth is they're believers
They stand and shout
In the courts of the deceivers
Let there be no more doubt
In the name of your justice and time
Anybody out there
Anybody out there
Going to hear the sound of a dispossessed voice
Lend them your voice
Anybody out there
Anybody out there
Anybody out there
Lend them your voice
The song "Believers" by Levellers is a commentary on the complexity of belief and the importance of speaking up for those who have been dispossessed. The lyrics express frustration with the inability of people to agree on what to believe in, despite the wisdom of the ancients. The song argues that changes in both rhythm and time are necessary for beliefs to evolve and remain relevant.
The song also calls out those who blindly follow their leaders and never question their beliefs, likening them to fools who shout in the courts of deceivers. The call to action comes in the repetition of the phrase "anybody out there?" which urges listeners to lend their voice to the dispossessed and stand up for justice. The song ultimately shows that while beliefs may be complex, it is important to continue to question and evolve them in order to create a more just and compassionate society.
Line by Line Meaning
Time after time you fail to agree
Repeatedly, you are unable to come to an agreement
About the things to believe in
Regarding matters of faith and belief
The thoughts of the ancients Just couldn't be
The ideas of the past generations cannot remain unchanged
Without changes in rhythm and time
Unless they adapt to the present, shifting attitudes and pace
If you put all the prophets
Assuming every spiritual figure
Mystics and saints
Including all those seen as holy and enlightened
In one room together
Gathering them in one place
There'd be so much more reason
That would be far more rationale and wisdom
Than ever was born
Than any rationality that has come so far
Out of all of the conflicts of time
From the countless battles and struggles that span history
Anybody out there
Is anyone there
Anybody out there
Is anyone there
Well I wouldn't mind But you fail to agree
I don't really care, but you can't seem to find common ground
About the things that you're doing
Regarding your actions and choices
The thoughts of the ancients never could be
The ideas of the past generations were never stagnant
Without changes in context and time
They inevitably shifted with the circumstances around them
Going to hear the sound of a dispossessed voice
Will anyone listen to the words of those who have lost everything
Lend them your voice
Speak up for them, advocate on their behalf
Fools and their leaders they have no doubts
Those who blindly follow their leaders are lacking in critical thinking
The truth is they're believers
In reality, they simply have strong faith in their cause
They stand and shout
They vocally express their convictions
In the courts of the deceivers
Within the halls of those who manipulate and deceive
Let there be no more doubt
May there be complete confidence
In the name of your justice and time
In the pursuit of fairness and the passage of time
Anybody out there
Is anyone there
Anybody out there
Is anyone there
Going to hear the sound of a dispossessed voice
Will anyone listen to the words of those who have lost everything
Lend them your voice
Speak up for them, advocate on their behalf
Anybody out there
Is anyone there
Anybody out there
Is anyone there
Anybody out there
Is anyone there
Lend them your voice
Speak up for them, advocate on their behalf
Contributed by Cole I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.