Sticks And Stones
Nasum Lyrics


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Speak not to me of democracy
Opinionated = incarcerated
Is that what you call justice?

What century do you live in?
Beheadment for freespeach
"Sticks and stones may break my bones
But words will never hurt me"

Yeah, right!

Speak not to me of democracy
Beheadment for freespeach




Opinionate = incarcerate
Is that your sense of justice?

Overall Meaning

Nasum's song Sticks and Stones is a commentary on the way that justice has traditionally been served throughout history, and the way that it continues to be served in some parts of the world. The lyrics start off by dismissing democracy as a valid solution to the problems of society, especially when it comes to issues of free speech. The composer then goes on to criticize the way in which expressing opinions can often lead to being incarcerated, and questions whether such a punishment can really be considered a form of justice.


The song then goes on to ask what century we live in, suggesting that the idea of beheadment for free speech is an archaic practice that should have been discarded by now. Finally, the instruments kick in and the chorus comes out with the old adage, "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me", before immediately dismissing it as irrelevant. The song as a whole is a passionate plea for society to rethink its values when it comes to punishing those who express their opinions, and to move towards a more tolerant and accepting future.


Line by Line Meaning

Speak not to me of democracy
Don't talk to me about democracy


Opinionated = incarcerated
If you have a strong opinion, you'll be thrown in jail


Is that what you call justice?
Do you really think that's fair?


What century do you live in?
Are you living in the past?


Beheadment for freespeach
People are being killed for expressing their opinions


"Sticks and stones may break my bones But words will never hurt me"
"Physical violence can harm me, but words can't hurt me" - a phrase often used to dismiss the impact of verbal abuse


Yeah, right!
I don't believe that for a second




Contributed by Hannah E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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