Muse didn't intend to put strings into the song, but they eventually did. The strings were recorded in Italy at Officine Meccaniche Studios by Mauro Pagani after Muse asked him to do a string arrangement on it. This song has the same lyrical theme as "Assassin" - an individual prepared to commit brutal acts in order to get their views and opinions noticed by the corrupt powers that be.
Dan Newell the trumpet man and Brian Switzer have been known to play the trumpet solo on this song when it is performed live.
City of Delusion
Muse Lyrics
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Build a fortress and shield your beliefs
Touch the divine as we fall in line
Can I believe
When I don't trust?
All your theories turn to dust
I choose to hide
From the All-Seeing Eye
Destroy this city of delusion
And break these walls down
And I will avenge
And justify my reasons with your blood
You will not rest
Or settle for less
Until you guzzle and squander what's left
Do not deny
That you live
And let die
Destroy this city of delusion
And break these walls down
And I will avenge
And justify my reasons with your blood
Destroy this city of delusion
And break these walls down
And I will avenge
And justify my reasons with your blood
In Muse's City of Delusion, the band sings about the dangers of blindly following beliefs and ideologies without questioning them. The first few lines suggest that the singer is warning someone to stay away from him and to build a fortress around their beliefs, possibly because he doesn't trust that person's beliefs. He then questions whether he can believe in something he doesn't trust and laments that all their theories are turning to dust. The singer chooses to hide from the All-Seeing Eye, possibly referring to a metaphorical idea of a higher power or authority that can see all.
The chorus then takes a turn towards a call to action, as the singer urges the listener to destroy this city of delusion and break down the walls surrounding it. He sings that he will avenge and justify his reasons with the listener's blood, indicating that he is willing to take violent action to break down the delusions that surround them. The second verse continues this theme, with the singer accusing the listener of not resting until they have consumed everything, leaving nothing for anyone else. He urges the listener not to deny that they live and let die, possibly referring to the idea of ignoring the consequences of one's actions.
Overall, the song appears to be a warning against blindly following beliefs, ideologies, and actions without questioning them or considering their consequences. It suggests that such actions can lead to a city of delusion that must be destroyed, and that violent action may be necessary to do so.
Line by Line Meaning
Stay away from me
I want to be left alone; please do not come near me.
Build a fortress and shield your beliefs
Make yourself strong and unwavering in your beliefs, protect them at all costs.
Touch the divine as we fall in line
Follow a higher power, even if it means sacrificing your own personal beliefs and actions.
Can I believe
Am I able to trust in something or someone?
When I don't trust?
How can I have faith when I doubt or mistrust?
All your theories turn to dust
All the beliefs and ideas that you had before have been proven wrong and are now meaningless.
I choose to hide
I have decided to withdraw myself from people and society.
From the All-Seeing Eye
From an omnipotent, ever-present entity that sees and knows everything.
Destroy this city of delusion
Get rid of this illusory city, where people are living in a false reality and not facing the truth.
And break these walls down
Demolish these barriers that are preventing us from understanding the truth.
And I will avenge
I will seek retribution for the wrongs that have been done.
And justify my reasons with your blood
I will take revenge with violence and use it to justify my actions.
You will not rest
You will not stop or be satisfied until you have consumed and destroyed everything.
Or settle for less
You will not accept anything below your expectations.
Until you guzzle and squander what's left
You will use up and waste everything that remains, until there is nothing left.
Do not deny
Admit and acknowledge that you are alive.
That you live
That you exist and are conscious.
And let die
And allow yourself and others to die and fade away.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Matthew James Bellamy
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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