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.
The Fear
Levellers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In a world that seems crazy
A world you love to hate
Are you scared or do you feel pretty safe
Do you think you have nothing
Or do you think you've got it made
[Chorus:]
I've done everything you told me
To take away the pain
Then you change my medication again
Its getting harder to tell
Just who or what's insane
Do your nightmares tear you apart
Do you wake up screaming shouting in the dark
The demons keep you awake
Does the clock tick more slowly with
Every breath you take
[Chorus:]
Does each day seem like the rest
You turn on the morning coz turning offs the best
Do you think that it will never change
Or does mass self delusion medal with your brain
[Chorus:]
You see I think I know it all
I think I know the way
You've given me the power
By making me insane
[Chorus:]
In Levellers's song The Fear, the analysis of the lyrics is multifaceted, as they touch upon feelings of anxiety, confusion, and mental instability. The opening lines of the song set the tone of the entire track, as it talks about how waking up to a world that seems crazy feels like a reality to many. The first verse goes on to ask the listener if they feel scared or safe and whether they think they have everything or nothing, which showcases the different perspectives people can have.
In the chorus, the lyrics become more introspective, as the singer reflects on how they have tried everything to take away the pain, but their medication keeps changing. It seems like the more they try, the more they feel insane, and the lines "it's getting harder to tell/just who or what's insane" underscores the struggle of knowing what is real in a world that feels convoluted. The second verse talks about the idea of routines and how days may appear all the same, and whether people are deluding themselves into thinking that they can never change.
The final lines of the song are significant, as the singer talks about how they think they know it all and that they have the power, but it comes at the cost of them being insane. Overall, the lyrics of The Fear beautifully capture the disturbing and relatable emotions people feel when they are in a state of unease or anxiety.
Line by Line Meaning
Do you wake up every day
Are you conscious each morning?
In a world that seems crazy
Do you perceive your surroundings to be erratic?
A world you love to hate
Are you fond of resenting the world?
Are you scared or do you feel pretty safe
Do you experience paranoia or security?
Do you think you have nothing
Do you believe you lack anything?
Or do you think you've got it made
Do you feel as if everything is going your way?
[Chorus:]
The recurring refrain following each of the preceding questions.
Do your nightmares tear you apart
Do your bad dreams disturb you?
Do you wake up screaming shouting in the dark
Do you awaken frightened in the night?
The demons keep you awake
Do your personal demons prevent you from sleeping?
Does the clock tick more slowly with
Do you perceive time to be slowing?
Every breath you take
With each inhalation and exhalation.
[Chorus:]
The recurring refrain following each of the questions posed in this verse.
Does each day seem like the rest
Do you perceive each day to be identical?
You turn on the morning coz turning offs the best
Do you look forward to waking up each day?
Do you think that it will never change
Do you believe things will remain constant?
Or does mass self delusion medal with your brain
Are you susceptible to societal pressures and expectations of reality?
[Chorus:]
The recurring refrain following each of the questions posed in this verse.
You see I think I know it all
Do you believe you have all the answers?
I think I know the way
Do you believe you have found the path to enlightenment?
You've given me the power
Do you believe someone or something has granted you authority?
By making me insane
As a result of driving you to the brink of insanity.
[Chorus:]
The recurring refrain following this final assertion.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: SIMON FRIEND, CHARLES KENTON HEATHER, MARK CHADWICK, JONATHAN SEVINK, JEREMY CUNNINGHAM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Portcullis
They rarely get the credit that they deserve for their songwriting. I remember being a bit disappointed with this album when it was released in 1995-but with hindsight it was only because the songs on the first three albums are so good. Another song from 'Zeitgeist', 'Forgotten Ground', is one of my favourite Levellers songs, along with their version of Rev Hammer's 'Maid Of The River'.
Peter King
Portcullis zeitgeist their best album by a mile..
Gaz B
Great album from start to finish.
Lone Wolf
EPIC band 🙏🏻👍🏻❤️✌🏻🇬🇧
Kerry Robertson
What a tune!
Helen Heartfield
still listing 25yrs on ...nice one boys
stelladurban
obviously their songwriting is better than your maths ;-)
Hannah harding
you can't get more perfect xx
*unused account*
I'm seeing them in may at lakefest!! CANT WAIT!! :D
Captain Howdy
I better take my medication again, what a song