If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next
Manic Street Preachers Lyrics


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The future teaches you to be alone
The present to be afraid and cold
"So if I can shoot rabbits then I can shoot fascists"

Bullets for your brain today
But we'll forget it all again
Monuments put from pen to paper
Turns me into a gutless wonder

And if you tolerate this then your children will be next
And if you tolerate this then your children will be next
Will be next, will be next, will be next

Gravity keeps my head down
Or is it maybe shame
At being so young and being so vain

Holes in your head today
But I'm a pacifist
I've walked La Ramblas but not with real intent

And if you tolerate this then your children will be next
And if you tolerate this then your children will be next
Will be next, will be next, will be next, yeah will be next

And on the street tonight
An old man plays with newspaper cuttings of his glory days

And if you tolerate this then your children will be next




And if you tolerate this then your children will be next
Will be next, will be next, will be next

Overall Meaning

"If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next" is a powerful song by Manic Street Preachers that delves into the nature of war and the dangers of tolerating fascism. The song's title is taken from a Republican poster from the Spanish Civil War, and the lyrics reflect the band's anger and frustration with society's apathy toward the ongoing violence and oppression in the world.


The opening lines of the song, "The future teaches you to be alone, The present to be afraid and cold," suggest a bleak future ahead, a world of loneliness and fear. The lyrics continue, "So if I can shoot rabbits then I can shoot fascists," implying that if a person is capable of hunting animals, they are capable of violent acts against other human beings. This line is a clear reference to the rise of fascism in Europe and the need to take action against it.


The chorus of "And if you tolerate this then your children will be next" is a warning to the world not to turn a blind eye to the atrocities happening around us. The song suggests that if society does not take a stand against fascism and violence, the next generation will suffer the consequences. The verses continue to express frustration at the state of the world, with references to "Bullets for your brain today" and "Holes in your head today" suggesting a violent and dangerous environment.


In conclusion, "If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next" is a powerful and thought-provoking song that challenges society to take a stand against fascist and violent ideologies. The lyrics suggest that the future is bleak, but that we still have the power to make a difference if we are willing to act.


Line by Line Meaning

The future teaches you to be alone
As life goes on, you will learn to rely only on yourself and be alone.


The present to be afraid and cold
In the present, fear and coldness are prevalent emotions felt by people.


"So if I can shoot rabbits then I can shoot fascists"
The act of shooting is the same, regardless of the target.


Bullets for your brain today
Today's society bombards us with so many messages that it's like getting shot in the head.


But we'll forget it all again
Despite being bombarded with messages, people will soon forget all of them again.


Monuments put from pen to paper
Words written on paper can be just as powerful as physical monuments.


Turns me into a gutless wonder
Reading about past heroes and their achievements can make us feel insignificant and powerless.


And if you tolerate this then your children will be next
If we allow fascism to prevail, our children will suffer its consequences next.


Will be next, will be next, will be next
It's a cycle that will continue if we don't stop it.


Gravity keeps my head down
The gravity of the situation, the seriousness of it all, keeps me down emotionally.


Or is it maybe shame
Maybe it is shame that keeps me down, as I feel responsible for not doing more to stop fascism.


At being so young and being so vain
The singer points out the irony of being young and vain while also being concerned about important issues.


Holes in your head today
Today, society still bombards us with messages that can make us feel empty inside.


But I'm a pacifist
Despite all this, the singer is a pacifist and doesn't believe in resorting to violence.


I've walked La Ramblas but not with real intent
The singer has walked the streets, but not with the true purpose of fighting against fascism.


And on the street tonight
The song ends with an old man reminiscing about past glories, just as the singer warns about the dangers of tolerating fascism.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: James Bradfield, Nicholas Jones, Sean Moore

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@cocoabudder

This 90’s song keeps popping into my mind. Hits hard again, these days. 😢

@carlosrubiotapias3275

all is a lie... from birth to grave.

@mattbrock9491

Same here on repeat daily😢

@krissisu1111

Oh yeah.

@Dogbite295

I remember when I was younger, about 8 or so, my dad took me to see the Manic Street Preachers. My dad knew someone backstage so I got given one of their drumsticks. I'll never forget it

@deanmitchell9064

This song is appropriate for all ages throughout history, past, present and future.

@AndreasJordanidisStuff

I can approve that, I’m 14, but yeah I always listened to 90s

@sammigismar5864

Exactly

@telmacotelmaco2391

October 2023 and a more appropriate song is not possible.

@KiNgGRAffiti94

Just lost my dad, this was his favourite tune x

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