The Fall
N.A.O.S. Lyrics

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I read the writing on the shit house walls
The lines are drawn, we must stand or fall
We the people, polarized
Can't even think to sympathize

If there's no justice
There's no peace
We must unite

To get aside
The woe and grief
A final stride
Must confide
May never come to
Save our sorry hides

Go read the writings on the wall, stand or fall
All this talk of race and war
Leaves speechless on the floor

The futures written in the past
Etched in the memories of cynicism's laugh

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of N.A.O.S.'s song "The Fall" are potent in their imagery and meaning. The artist speaks of reading "the writing on the shit house walls," which conjures up the image of a bathroom stall covered in scribbles and drawings - a place where people often express their rawest thoughts and emotions. The lines on the wall are a metaphor for the world around us, which is divided and hostile. The artist sees that "the lines are drawn" and that people must choose to "stand or fall."

The second verse talks about the dire situation we find ourselves in, where people are so polarized that they cannot sympathize with one another. The lyrics suggest that unity is needed to overcome this situation. The artist believes that without justice, there can be no peace. The song calls on people to put aside their differences, to take a "final stride" towards one another, and confide in one another that they will work together, even if that unity may never come or even if it may be too late to save our "sorry hides."

Overall, "The Fall" is a song that reflects on the state of the world today, with its divisions and misunderstandings. The artist calls for unity and justice as a way to move forward and avoid disaster.

Line by Line Meaning

I read the writing on the shit house walls
I noticed the desperate messages scrawled on the walls of the public restroom

The lines are drawn, we must stand or fall
The sides have been chosen, and we must either fight or give up

We the people, polarized
The citizens are divided and unable to agree

Can't even think to sympathize
They are unwilling or unable to understand each other's perspectives

If there's no justice
The absence of fairness and equality

There's no peace
Will result in chaos and unrest

We must unite
In order to overcome these challenges

To get aside
And put aside our differences

The woe and grief
The sadness and pain

A final stride
Taking one last effort

Must confide
We must trust and rely on each other