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.
Warning
Levellers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Everyone knows it; it's a depression.
Crowds are running wild in the streets,
But nobody anywhere seems to know
What to do with them
Now listen ...
You know the air is unfit to breath
We know things are bad,
Worse than bad; T
They're crazy,
It's like everything everywhere
Is going crazy
So we don't go out anymore.
We sit in the house and slowly
The world we're living in is getting smaller
And all we say is
"Please ... at least leave us alone in our living room."
All I know is
That first we've got to get mad ...
You've got to say
"I'm a human being GOD DAMN IT!
My life has value!"
I want you to get up right now
I want you to get up now
I want all of you to get up out of your chairs
I want you to get up right now
I want you to get up right now
I want you to get up now
I want all of you to get up out of your chair
S -- I want you to get up right now
And go to the window,
Open it and stick your head out and yell ...
"I'M AS MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANY MORE!" )
Summer UK '93
Controlled substances in hand
Flash photos on location
Final end solution
Road block
Cash from chaos received
This sun burns more than you believe
The smell of C.S. gas
Confusion of the mass
Cold sweat
Warning
Out of control
You know we know
Turning your face away
But where to go
Shake it down by any means
You know you've seen this all before
Broken words from loud hailers
Hands raised in the air
And no tune
Armed surveillance last dance
Sparks fly at the first glance
Helpless face within the flame
First purge of the new game
Crass press
The lyrics of Levellers’ song Warning speak about the state of the world during a time that is plagued by depression and chaos. The first verse, which is spoken, sets the scene of turmoil on the streets, with crowds running wild and no one seeming to know what to do. The next portion delves deeper into the root of the problem, highlighting the issues with air and food quality. It is suggested that things are not just bad but “crazy”, and it seems that this madness is taking over everything. The feeling of helplessness in the face of this chaos is palpable, with people retreating into their homes and asking only to be left alone.
However, the song doesn’t end on a note of despair. Instead, it implores the listener to take action and stand up for their own value as a human being. The repeated refrain, “I want you to get up right now”, is a call to action, urging the listener to stand up and demand change. The final section of the song is a powerful statement, telling the listener to go to their window, open it, and yell, “I’m as mad as hell and I’m not going to take this anymore!” This is a rallying cry for those who feel powerless in the face of the chaos and a reminder that change begins with each individual.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't have to tell you things are bad,
The situation around us is terrible and everyone knows it.
Everyone knows it; it's a depression.
The current condition is like an economic depression.
Crowds are running wild in the streets,
People are expressing their frustration and anger in public places.
But nobody anywhere seems to know
Nobody knows what to do about the situation.
What to do with them
No one knows how to handle such large crowds.
You know the air is unfit to breathe
The air quality is unsafe for breathing.
Our food is unfit to eat.
The quality of food we consume is not good for our health.
We know things are bad,
Everyone is aware of the current situation.
Worse than bad; They're crazy,
The current situation is worse than bad and is completely out of control.
It's like everything everywhere Is going crazy
Chaos is everywhere and everything seems to be falling apart.
So we don't go out anymore.
People have stopped going out due to the unsafe and unstable environment.
We sit in the house and slowly
People have confined themselves within their homes.
The world we're living in is getting smaller
The world around us is becoming more confined and limited.
And all we say is Please ... at least leave us alone in our living room.
People are pleading to be left alone in their own personal space.
All I know is That first we've got to get mad ...
We need to first get angry about the current situation.
You've got to say
We need to verbally express our anger.
I'm a human being GOD DAMN IT! My life has value!
Every human being has value and their life should be respected.
I want you to get up right now
The singer is urging the audience to take action immediately.
I want all of you to get up out of your chairs
The singer wants everyone to take physical action against the situation.
And go to the window, Open it and stick your head out and yell ... I'M AS MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANY MORE!
The artist is urging everyone to express their anger and frustration as it can lead to change.
Controlled substances in hand
People are consuming illegal drugs to find temporary solace.
Flash photos on location
The media is present to capture the events that are taking place.
Final end solution
The end result of the current situation seems bleak.
Road block
There is a blockade that is hindering people from moving forward.
Cash from chaos received
Some people are benefiting, financially or otherwise, from the chaos that's taking place.
This sun burns more than you believe
The heat of the sun feels more intense due to the current situation.
The smell of C.S. gas
The air is filled with the smell of tear gas which is being used to control crowds.
Confusion of the mass
People are confused and disoriented due to the chaos around them.
Cold sweat
People are sweating profusely due to the intense heat and their anxiety.
Warning
The singer is warning listeners about the gravity of the situation.
Out of control
The situation is completely out of hand.
You know we know
The singer acknowledges that everyone is aware of the current situation.
Turning your face away
People are trying to ignore the situation rather than taking action.
But where to go
People are unsure about what they should do next.
Shake it down by any means
People are trying to take control of the situation, using any means necessary.
You know you've seen this all before
The situation is not new and has happened before in history.
Broken words from loud hailers
People in authority are using words to control the situation, but they are not leading to a solution.
Hands raised in the air And no tune
People are raising their hands in surrender, but there is no hope or plan for the situation.
Armed surveillance last dance
The authorities have taken control and are monitoring everything to prevent further chaos.
Sparks fly at the first glance
There is tension and conflict that arises immediately on any issue.
Helpless face within the flame
People are trapped in the situation and cannot find a way out, leading to feelings of helplessness.
First purge of the new game
The current situation is a new beginning with all the chaos being the first purge of the new game.
Crass press
The media is providing the information that suits their interest without considering the actual damage or the severity of the situation.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: SIMON FRIEND, CHARLES KENTON HEATHER, MARK CHADWICK, JONATHAN SEVINK, JEREMY CUNNINGHAM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind