Bellamy has said this is a "kind of take a gun out and kill somebody" style song. Early reviews prior to the album's release described the introduction with reference to the Knight Rider theme music.[9]
Several major changes were made to the song compared to earlier live versions from 2005. Previously, it had a longer, more distorted intro, more varied percussion, most prominently contained a slow bridge between the first and second chorus, and was generally more progressive. The original drumming was used in "Map of the Problematique".
The song is featured in the 2008 game Guitar Hero: World Tour as a playable track, where there is also a secret achievement for the 360 version of the game called "Muse to My Ears", requiring you to score 222,222 points or higher on Assassin, playing the drums.
Assassin
Muse Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The time has come for you
To shoot your leaders down
Join forces underground
Lose control
In increasing pace
Wantonly waste
Whatever they say
These people are torn
Wild and bereft
Assassin is born, yeah
Whoa, yeah
(Aim, shoot, kill your leaders)
(Aim, kill them all)
Oppose and disagree
Destroy demonocracy
Lose control
In increasing pace
Wantonly waste
Intention erased
Whatever they say
These people are torn
Wild and bereft
Assassin is born, yeah
(Go)
The lyrics to Muse's song Assassin appears to be a call to action, a revolutionary anthem. The singer delves into the sentiment that war is overdue and that the time has come for uprising against those in power. The song encourages listeners to shoot down their leaders and join forces underground to oppose and destroy demonocracy. The lyrics describe a feeling of loss of control, an increasing pace, and a sense of wanton waste. Intention is erased as these people are torn, wild, and bereft, ultimately giving birth to an assassin. The song concludes with a simple call-to-action: "Go".
The song seems to be a critique of the current political system and a plea for change, even if it means taking more extreme measures like assassination. The fervor and intense energy of the song are meant to be motivating to listeners, urging them to take responsibility and action for the betterment of society. The lyrics make a direct appeal to attack those in power (aim, shoot, kill your leaders), an incitement that is surely controversial.
Line by Line Meaning
War is overdue
The long-waited conflict has finally arrived
The time has come for you
It's your turn to act
To shoot your leaders down
To overthrow the authority figures
Join forces underground
Unite with the rebellious forces to operate covertly
Lose control
Relinquish power
In increasing pace
Accelerating faster and faster
Wantonly waste
To recklessly destroy without concern for consequences
Intention erased
The initial purpose has been forgotten
Whatever they say
Ignore what they preach
These people are torn
The masses are divided
Wild and bereft
Chaotic and desolate
Assassin is born, yeah
A killer is created
(Aim, shoot, kill your leaders)
Direct instructions to eliminate the ruling powers
(Aim, kill them all)
Reinforcing the message to eradicate all authority figures
Oppose and disagree
Actively challenge and refuse to support
Destroy demonocracy
Democracy has become corrupted and must be dismantled
(Go)
An abrupt final command to act
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Downtown Music Publishing, Broma 16, Cloud9
Written by: Matthew James Bellamy
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@MuseBySecrecy
Rumour is drummer, Dominic Howard, turned to dust shortly after recording this
@brandonwest2842
stardust*
@Kranakianable
The drumming on this jumpy ballad is phenomenal !
@lukefernandez7880
Favorite song off this album. Underrated track.
@evilcowboy
Agreed most of their stuff is miles ahead. Maybe one day the rest of the world will catch up and not rely on 4/4 time signatures and 909 drum loops. lol
@ManMilk07
This song goes so fricking hard
@kahl777
Saw them play this live at Philly 2023. Epic.
@alinemediumsagedame
The best song of the album with city of delusion. So underrated.
@callumiscool576
I think assassin and take a bow art the best
@haroldnichols9483
It's like every time I find my favorite Muse song, I find one to top it,this song has such a beautiful chorus