Rank and File
NOI!SE Lyrics

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Two sides but the signs say they're just the same
Masterminds of designs in how things can't change
An illusion based on how they empathize
Parlor tricks while they polarize
Two sides that comprise where our future stays
Where's our side?
Tell us where our side's gone
Or will they decide where the line is drawn?

A great divide
It's hard to pick a side when the lies
are the basis for all of the choices made
You fill our city streets with hate and narcissism
You fill your pockets as you jostle for position
I look around this place and I just cant believe
Our lives divided with precision
Where's our side?
Tell us where our side's gone
Or will they decide where the line is drawn?
A great divide
It's hard to pick a side when the lies
are the basis for all of the choices made
There's a price to pay
When complacency is day to day
Keep hoping that it'll go away
But history tells us it all ends the same way
Where's our side?
Tell us where our side's gone
Or will they decide where the line is drawn?
A great divide

It's hard to pick a side when the lies
are the basis for all of the choices made

Overall Meaning

The song Rank and File by Noi!se speaks about the division between two sides and the illusion that they are just the same. The first few lines of the song suggest that those in power are in control and that they design things in a way that prevents change from happening. The line "an illusion based on how they empathize" could mean that the empathy expressed by those in power is feigned, intended to give the false impression that they understand what the people want, when in fact, they are advancing their own agenda. The "parlor tricks" mentioned refer to the tactics used by those in power to manipulate the masses and encourage polarization.

The chorus of the song is a call to action in which the singer asks where their side is and whether they will be allowed to decide where the line is drawn. The great divide referred to in the song is the division between the two sides, and the lies that underpin the choices that are made. The second verse of the song is a critique of the politicians and leaders, who fill their pockets while encouraging hate and narcissism. The division between the two sides is clear to see as people's lives are divided with precision.

Line by Line Meaning

Two sides but the signs say they're just the same
There are two opposing groups, but they both appear to be working towards the same goal.

Masterminds of designs in how things can't change
Those in power have created a system that is resistant to change.

An illusion based on how they empathize
The appearance of change is something that those in power give in order to create an illusion that they are empathetic to the needs of the people.

Parlor tricks while they polarize
Those in power use deceptive tricks to keep people divided and at odds with each other.

Two sides that comprise where our future stays
The future of society is determined by the actions of both sides, despite their opposing ideals.

Where's our side?
The singer is questioning where their group stands in the midst of the conflict.

Tell us where our side's gone
The singer is pleading for guidance on how to navigate the situation.

Or will they decide where the line is drawn?
There is concern that those in power will have the final say in how the conflict is resolved.

A great divide
The division between the opposing groups is severe and significant.

It's hard to pick a side when the lies are the basis for all of the choices made
The truth is elusive, making it difficult for people to make informed decisions about which side to support.

You fill our city streets with hate and narcissism
Those in power are creating a climate of aggression and self-centeredness.

You fill your pockets as you jostle for position
Those in power are benefiting financially from their positions.

I look around this place and I just cant believe
The singer is in disbelief about the situation they find themselves in.

Our lives divided with precision
The opposing sides have been intentionally kept apart from each other, creating a clear divide.

There's a price to pay
There are consequences to inaction or complacency.

When complacency is day to day
When people become used to a certain system or way of living, it becomes difficult for them to see beyond it.

Keep hoping that it'll go away
There is a sense of futility or apathy in the face of such a difficult situation.

But history tells us it all ends the same way
The singer is drawing on past experiences to caution against apathy or inaction as a solution.

Contributed by Ellie C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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