Children Of The Revolution
MacColl Lyrics
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Bombers ripped the night apart and blew the school away
Some live on the south side and they overlook the water
Some live on the north side and they're looking at the border
And those children of the revolution see the soldiers come
Smiling at the widows as they take away the sons
Children of the revolution shot down with a brand new gun
The images of war are in their eyes
They've seen it all before and know your lies
Won't keep their bellies full
In love and war there are no rules
Children of the revolution getting off the boat
To face the ignorance and prejudice that keep this land afloat
Children of the revolution make a brand new start
Running through the rubble of a thousand broken hearts and in their eyes
All promises are broken in their eyes
The words that can't be spoken and your lies
Don't keep their bellies full
In love and war there are no rules
But in their eyes
Murder comes by sea and from the skies
It's shiny and it's quick to take their lives
And if it's cruel, in love and war there are no rules
Children of the revolution coming out to play
Someone sells a gun and someone blows them all away
Children of the revolution sold out by the banks
Who swap the green upon the dollars for the green upon the tanks
Children of the revolution shot down by a brand new gun
Shot down by a brand new gun
Shot down by a brand new gun
Shot down by a brand new gun
In MacColl's song "Children of the Revolution," the lyrics describe a generation of individuals who are caught in the midst of political unrest and war. The opening lines portray these children as coming out to play, suggesting their youthful energy and innocence. However, their idyllic existence is shattered when bombers destroy their school and disrupt their lives. The contrasting lines about living on different sides (south side and north side) symbolize the geographical divisions caused by conflict, with some witnessing the devastation near the border and others overlooking the water, perhaps feeling safer but still affected by the chaos.
As the song progresses, the children witness soldiers coming to their town and taking away loved ones, smiling at the widows. The powerful image of "dropping down like flies" highlights the horrifying reality of war and the loss of life. The repetition of "in their eyes" emphasizes how these children have become desensitized to the violence and have experienced the consequences of broken promises and lies. Despite the harshness of their environment, these children still hold a glimmer of hope, as they make a new start and run through the rubble of broken hearts.
Ultimately, the lyrics suggest that in love and war, there are no rules. The world these children inhabit is filled with cruelty and uncertainty. Their lives are easily destroyed, whether by murder from the sea and skies or by the influence of banks seeking profit from war. The song's vivid imagery and powerful narrative highlight the tragic consequences of political conflicts on the lives of innocent children.
Line by Line Meaning
Children of the revolution coming out to play
The young generation born amidst revolution emerging to participate and enjoy the freedom and chaos.
Bombers ripped the night apart and blew the school away
Explosions caused by bombers shattered the tranquility of the night and destroyed the entire school.
Some live on the south side and they overlook the water
Certain individuals reside on the southern side, granting them a view of the water.
Some live on the north side and they're looking at the border
Others dwell on the northern side and their gaze is fixated on the border.
And those children of the revolution see the soldiers come
The revolutionary youth witness the arrival of soldiers.
Smiling at the widows as they take away the sons
The soldiers, while taking away the sons, display a malevolent smile towards the grieving widows.
Children of the revolution shot down with a brand new gun
The young rebels are ruthlessly killed using a newly acquired weapon.
They're dropping down like flies and in their eyes
The casualties are rapidly increasing, resembling the motion of falling flies, and the pain and despair are evident in their eyes.
The images of war are in their eyes
The horrors and traumas of war have left lasting imprints in their eyes.
They've seen it all before and know your lies
Having witnessed similar situations in the past, they are aware of the lies and deceit.
Won't keep their bellies full
Empty promises and falsehoods cannot satisfy their basic needs.
In love and war there are no rules
The chaos and brutality of both love and war defy established rules and standards.
Children of the revolution getting off the boat
The youth born during the revolution arrive by boat, ready to face the challenges ahead.
To face the ignorance and prejudice that keep this land afloat
They confront the prevailing ignorance and discrimination that allow the society to function.
Children of the revolution make a brand new start
They strive to embark on a fresh beginning, despite the chaotic aftermath of the revolution.
Running through the rubble of a thousand broken hearts and in their eyes
They traverse through the debris of numerous shattered dreams and suffering, which is unmistakable in their eyes.
All promises are broken in their eyes
The individuals perceive that all commitments made to them have been betrayed and shattered.
The words that can't be spoken and your lies
There are unspeakable truths and hidden lies that are concealed and denied by those in power.
Don't keep their bellies full
Empty words and deceitful lies cannot fulfill their essential needs.
In love and war there are no rules
The chaos and brutality of both love and war disregard established norms and regulations.
But in their eyes
However, from their perspective
Murder comes by sea and from the skies
They witness acts of murder occurring through both naval and aerial means.
It's shiny and it's quick to take their lives
The destructive violence is alluring and swiftly claims their lives.
And if it's cruel, in love and war there are no rules
Even if the cruelty is evident, the absence of rules prevails in both love and war.
Children of the revolution coming out to play
The young rebels emerge to engage in the revolution, treating it as a game or form of entertainment.
Someone sells a gun and someone blows them all away
Some individuals profit by selling weapons, resulting in tragic consequences as they are used against the rebels.
Children of the revolution sold out by the banks
The financial institutions betray the young revolutionaries for their own benefit.
Who swap the green upon the dollars for the green upon the tanks
The banks exchange the wealth of the nation for militarization and warfare.
Children of the revolution shot down by a brand new gun
The young rebels are mercilessly killed using the latest weaponry.
Shot down by a brand new gun
Their lives are abruptly ended by a newly introduced firearm.
Shot down by a brand new gun
Their lives are abruptly ended by a newly introduced firearm.
Shot down by a brand new gun
Their lives are abruptly ended by a newly introduced firearm.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JOHNNY MARR, KIRSTY MACCOLL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind