Missing Link
Napalm Death Lyrics


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Lyrics : lee dorrian / music : bill steer

An integral sense comes
With belonging to a scene
Supposedly absent of barriers
(when sexism is only one of many).

Earnest words
Calling for unity of the sexes
When she's still the chick, or stupid bitch
(ridiculed for showing an interest).

Hidden indifference
Strikes an emotion reaction
When you see an animal being abused.

Yet un-noticed when a woman
Is abused in the same way.

The links of oppression
Stem from the same degradation
But to one, our eyes remain closed.

Actively abusing the rights of one
Whilst fighting for those of another.

The ´ scene ª may hold a different name,
But the roleplays just the same.
Equal rights are fine,
As long as she's in her place.

Outrightly denouncing fascism,
Whilst oblivious to it taking place,
Is condemnation of standards,
All an act to save face.





Unity, a stark ambition
When our abuse surpasses recognition.

Overall Meaning

The Missing Link by Napalm Death explores the hypocrisy and double standards prevalent in society's ideals of unity, equal rights, and the treatment of the marginalized. The opening lines suggest that being part of a scene or group affords a sense of belonging and integral understanding which supposedly transcends barriers such as sexism but in reality sexist attitudes are just one manifestation of oppressive behaviours. The irony and contradiction in the call for inter-gender unity lies in how women are still subject to derogatory labels and ridicule for showing interest or intellect, thereby perpetuating unequal attitudes.


The second half of the verse highlights the hidden indifference prevalent in society when it comes to the maltreatment of women. Speakers who react strongly to animal abuse may not react in the same way when it comes to the abuse of women. The chorus then ties the various themes together by asserting that links of oppression come from the same types of degradation, but society often turns a blind eye to the abuse of women. The final verse calls society out for its selective outrage, stating that society actively fights for one group while abusing the rights of another (women). Hypocrisy then defines society's relationship with fascism and other acts of inhumanity.


Line by Line Meaning

An integral sense comes
A feeling of completeness emerges


With belonging to a scene
By being part of a group


Supposedly absent of barriers
That is assumed to be inclusive


(when sexism is only one of many).
(although gender discrimination is just one issue)


Earnest words
Sincere intentions


Calling for unity of the sexes
Advocating for gender equality


When she's still the chick, or stupid bitch
However, women are still disrespected and belittled


(ridiculed for showing an interest).
(especially if they show an interest outside gender norms)


Hidden indifference
Lack of empathy


Strikes an emotion reaction
Elicits a visceral response


When you see an animal being abused.
Like witnessing animal cruelty.


Yet un-noticed when a woman
But ignored when a woman


Is abused in the same way.
Is treated with similar cruelty.


The links of oppression
Forms of repression


Stem from the same degradation
Originate from similar sources of humiliation


But to one, our eyes remain closed.
However, society tends to ignore certain forms of oppression.


Actively abusing the rights of one
While actively violating the rights of certain people


Whilst fighting for those of another.
While fighting for the rights of others.


The ´ scene ª may hold a different name,
Even if this group has another name,


But the roleplays just the same.
The same dynamics play out.


Equal rights are fine,
Equal treatment is acceptable,


As long as she's in her place.
As long as women stay in a subordinate position.


Outrightly denouncing fascism,
Openly criticizing fascism,


Whilst oblivious to it taking place,
But ignoring it when it happens elsewhere,


Is condemnation of standards,
Is hypocritical,


All an act to save face.
Done to protect one's image.


Unity, a stark ambition
Uniting people seem like a challenging goal


When our abuse surpasses recognition.
Since the extent of the problem is hard to acknowledge.




Lyrics Β© O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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Comments from YouTube:

Sigma Society 🐺

Best song they ever did by far...This is their definitive sound of 1989.

anbarazen

One of the best...Lee Dorrian vocal is unsurpassed...

takeaway guru

its BRUTAL, best ever!!

Coffer Martin

They went 11 times a 1000 on their amps with this grindcore monster classic.I actually thought back then they trained a gorilla to sing harmony vocals!!πŸ˜‚

takeaway guru

An all time classic.

claymore 90

dances like peeps in Reefer Madness πŸ’ͺπŸΎπŸ•ΊπŸ€£ literally one of my most Fav songs by them. I'll NEVER forget when I saw Napalm Death in Montreal at The Medley(πŸ˜”) they signed my Ticket and I spoke with Shane Embury very kind man and Barney! Cheers!🍻

Information Sniper

The last song Bill Steer wrote for ND❀️

Wardo Melena

0:41 that riff .. that fucking riff

davey provolone

THIS IS THE WAY!

Frank Wells

Music by Bill Steer, and that's obvious since this is the best song on "Mentally murdered".