For more than twenty years he has been releasing, to only marginal commercial and critical success, playful and transgressive albums on labels in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Japan. In his lyrics and his other writing he makes seemingly random use of decontextualized pieces of continental (mostly French) philosophy, and has built up a personal world he says is "dominated by values like diversity, orientalism, and a respect for otherness." He is also known in certain circles outside the U.S. as a producer. He is fascinated by identity, Japan, the avant-garde, time travel and sex. Live Momus shows are rare but when he does perform he often sings the crowd favourite 'maf' from the Stars Forever LP.
He wears a patch over his right eye because he lost the use of it after contracting acanthamoeba keratitis from a contact lens case washed with Greek tap water.
Nick Currie currently resides in Osaka, Japan.
International
Momus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A red flag's hoisting to the skies
As if to say our time is coming
As if a sun's begun to rise
And can you hear the children singing
About a future fair for all
They'll live to see that red flag waving
The old world dies in sheets of flame
Its banks destroyed, its streets on fire
And even stone is not written in stone
The world is made of our desire
With open eyes, and a sense of mission
We'll realise our dream some day
A universal recognition
Of justice, healthcare, equal pay
And can you hear the world insisting
A single song in every throat
On a new international system
For which they'll never let us vote
The old world dies in sheets of flame
Its banks destroyed, its streets on fire
And even stone is not written in stone
The world is made of our desire!
The opening lines of Momus's song International is about different places around the world such as Beijing, Seoul, Beirut and London where a red flag is being raised in the sky, signifying the rise of Communist or socialist ideals. The song talks about a future where everyone has a fair chance and justice prevails. The children in the song sing about the prospect of living in a world where a red flag symbolizes hope, and becoming part of a system that would bring about equality and fairness to all.
Momus's song International is a political song about the coming of a new world order, where the current system is dismantled and a new, more equitable, and just world order is established. The song talks about the people who yearn for the world to change and the need for a new international system. It is a call to action to stand up for justice and equality for all. The idea of a new international system is not something that can be achieved easily or by a select few. However, Momus is optimistic that the people of the world will insist on it, and it will eventually bring about a better future for all.
Line by Line Meaning
Beijing to Seoul, Beirut to London
Referring to the spread of a socialist revolution across the globe
A red flag's hoisting to the skies
Symbolizing the rise of socialism and the fall of capitalism
As if to say our time is coming
A hopeful message that change is imminent
As if a sun's begun to rise
Similar to an awakening, signifying the beginning of a new era
And can you hear the children singing
The optimism and hope of future generations towards a better future
About a future fair for all
A vision of equality and justice
They'll live to see that red flag waving
Symbolizes a future of socialism and progress
They'll live to see this order fall
The collapse of the capitalist system
The old world dies in sheets of flame
The violent death of capitalism and its institutions
Its banks destroyed, its streets on fire
The chaos that occurs during a revolution
And even stone is not written in stone
Nothing is permanent, and everything can be changed
The world is made of our desire
The power of collective action towards changing the world
With open eyes, and a sense of mission
Determination towards achieving social justice and equality
We'll realise our dream some day
Hopeful about the eventual success of the socialist cause
A universal recognition
Acknowledgement of the importance of socialism on a global scale
Of justice, healthcare, equal pay
The fundamental principles of socialism that must be achieved
And can you hear the world insisting
The importance of global action to achieve socialism
A single song in every throat
Referring to solidarity and unity among those supporting socialism
On a new international system
The new order that must be established to replace capitalism
For which they'll never let us vote
The oppressors will never willingly relinquish their power
The old world dies in sheets of flame
Reiterating the violent death of capitalism and the start of a new era
Its banks destroyed, its streets on fire
Continuation of the chaos of revolution
And even stone is not written in stone
Nothing is permanent, and the new system must continue to evolve
The world is made of our desire!
Reiterating the power of collective action and the importance of continuing to strive towards socialism
Contributed by Mateo H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@erinmerle
Hahaha. Is this a joke? I think you mean the adbusters generation, the alternative that wasn't.
@jamesearthenware
amazing song, but unusual to see occupy equated with communism. communists would have been much better armed and organized if they intended to occupy a street.