No Good
Ofln - Pantera Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

In the states there's a problem with race
Because of ignorant past burned fires
From evolution we've been killing each other
I figure man should have it down to a science

No chance
Not for a minute
Not for a second

I won't be defensive
I'm straight out in my opinion
You'd better listen to a man who knows what he is saying
I've seen your side
You run and hide for the mere fact that you feel inferior
Be superior
And know your interior

Race, pride, prejudice
Black man, white man
No stand
Live in the past
We make it last
A hated mass
No solution
Mind pollution
For revolution

So low behold my eyes
This land of fools will rise
No good
For no one
You're no good
For no one

You blame oppression and play the role of criminals
To rape and burn show progress is minimal
White hoods and militants you know it's such a pity
Living, breathing
Violence in your city

If one man
Had one home
In one world
Held live alone without variety
Full of anxiety
No one to point at, question
Or even talk to in his private grave
No matter what color
He wouldn't be saved from hell
He dwells
A closed mind playing the part of prison cells

Race, pride, prejudice
Black man, white man
No stand
Live in the past
We make it last
A hated mass
No solution
Mind pollution
For revolution

So low behold my eyes
This land of fools will rise
No good
For no one
You're no good
For no one

So low behold your eyes
This land of fools will rise
No good
For no one
You're no good

For no one
Ooh

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "No Good" by Pantera discuss the issue of race and the destructive consequences of racism and prejudice in society. The song highlights the ongoing problem with race in the United States, acknowledging the existence of ignorance and deep-rooted animosity resulting from historical events. The phrase "burned fires" represents the deep scars left by past conflicts and struggles between different races.

Pantera suggests that, given our evolution as a society, we should have learned how to coexist peacefully by now. The lyrics express frustration and exasperation with the lack of progress in overcoming racial tensions. The lines "No chance, not for a minute, not for a second, I won't be defensive" embody a refusal to defend one's own race or contribute to the perpetuation of racial conflict. The song encourages the listener to consider the perspective of someone who understands the issues at hand and speaks from an informed position.

The song emphasizes the idea of equality and the need to move beyond the divisions of race. It challenges the notion of racial superiority or inferiority, suggesting that individuals should focus on their own personal development rather than harboring feelings of resentment or inadequacy. The lyrics call for individuals to rise above the hatred and negative stereotypes associated with race.

The chorus reinforces the message of the song, declaring that the destructive patterns of the past must be left behind. The repetition of the phrase "No good for no one" serves as a stark reminder of the detrimental consequences of racial division. The lyrics also touch upon the blame shifting that often occurs in discussions about race, as well as the role of violence and prejudice in perpetuating these divisions.

Ultimately, "No Good" by Pantera serves as a powerful critique of racism and a call for unity and understanding. It urges individuals to challenge their own preconceptions, confront their biases, and work towards a more inclusive and harmonious society.

Line by Line Meaning

In the states there's a problem with race
The United States is plagued by racial issues

Because of ignorant past burned fires
Due to the ignorance and conflicts of the past

From evolution we've been killing each other
Throughout history, human beings have been engaging in violence and killing

I figure man should have it down to a science
One would think that mankind should have learned from their mistakes and found a solution

No chance
There is no possibility

Not for a minute
Not even for a single moment

Not for a second
Not even for a brief period

I won't be defensive
I refuse to be defensive

I'm straight out in my opinion
I am expressing my opinion openly and honestly

You'd better listen to a man who knows what he is saying
It would be wise to pay attention to someone who speaks with knowledge and authority

I've seen your side
I understand your perspective

You run and hide for the mere fact that you feel inferior
You avoid confronting the issue simply because you feel inferior

Be superior
Instead, strive to be superior

And know your interior
Understand your own internal self

Race, pride, prejudice
Issues related to race, pride, and prejudice

Black man, white man
Specifically addressing the tension between black and white individuals

No stand
There is no unity or agreement

Live in the past
Continuing to dwell on past events

We make it last
We prolong and sustain these conflicts

A hated mass
A group of people who are filled with hate

No solution
There is no resolution or answer

Mind pollution
The contamination of minds with negative thoughts and attitudes

For revolution
In order to bring about significant change

So low behold my eyes
I witness with great sadness

This land of fools will rise
This foolish society will eventually grow and progress

No good
It is not beneficial or positive

For no one
It does not benefit anyone

You blame oppression and play the role of criminals
You attribute your problems to oppression, yet you act like criminals

To rape and burn show progress is minimal
Engaging in acts of violence and destruction only demonstrates minimal progress

White hoods and militants you know it's such a pity
Referring to the presence of white supremacists and extremist group members, it is truly unfortunate

Living, breathing
Existing and alive

Violence in your city
There is a prevalence of violence in your community

If one man
If there was a single individual

Had one home
With only one place to call home

In one world
Living in a world devoid of diversity

Held live alone without variety
Living a solitary life with no diversity or differences

Full of anxiety
Filled with unease and stress

No one to point at, question
There is nobody to criticize or question

Or even talk to in his private grave
Even in death, there is no one for him to communicate with

No matter what color
Regardless of his race or ethnicity

He wouldn't be saved from hell
He would not be rescued from a state of suffering and turmoil

He dwells
He remains trapped