Freeze Up
Operation Ivy Lyrics


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empty factories to the east and all our waste the shape of things that came shows on the broken workers face to the west you'll find our silicon promised lands where machines replace our minds for systematic profit plans the course of human progress staggers like a drunk it's steps are quick and heavy and its mind is slow and blunt i look for optimism but i just don't know it's seeds are planted in a poison place where nothing grows it's 1989 stand up and take a look around weathers bitter tension it seems is sinking down drunk with power and fighting one another every hour shows the winter getting harder there's a freezeup coming one nation stands the tallest radiating blinding light plastic and fluorescent energy robbing us of sight set in our way content with our decay we wave the flag of freedom as we conquer and invade ever ask yrself where's my place in this hell but no ones there to tell you 'cause they don't know that themselves the well rehearsed lines from our elated politicians no longer offer solace we can see the self destruction just one political song to drop into the list that is years and years long




Overall Meaning

In the song "Freeze Up," Operation Ivy uses vivid imagery to showcase the bleak reality of the world in 1989. The lyrics describe empty factories in the east, broken workers with the shape of waste on their faces, and a Silicon promised land in the west where machines replace human thought for profit. The song speaks to the slow and heavy steps of human progress, as it staggers like a drunk with a blunt mind. The lyrics lament the absence of optimism from this poisoned place where nothing can grow.


As the song progresses, Ivy speaks to the state of the United States, in particular. The winter is getting colder, and tensions and greed are high. The country stands "the tallest," radiating "blinding light" and "plastic and fluorescent energy" that robs us of sight. The song reflects on the notion of freedom and conquest, asking where one's place is in this "hell" of a world, and how there are no answers. Ivy's lyrics critique politicians who offer empty words that no longer offer comfort, as self-destruction seems to be on the horizon.


Overall, "Freeze Up" offers a bleak and honest look at the state of affairs in the late 1980s. The lyrics paint a picture of a world that is slowly destroying itself, driven by greed and a desire for power. It offers a call to see the reality of our world and reflects on the hopelessness that can feel all-encompassing.


Line by Line Meaning

empty factories to the east and all our waste
The factories in the East are abandoned and we're left with the debris of our consumption.


the shape of things that came shows on the broken workers face
The hardships faced by the workers are evident on their faces, a result of the products they helped create.


to the west you'll find our silicon promised lands
In the West, there are areas that have become the centers of technological innovation and aspiration.


where machines replace our minds for systematic profit plans
Technology has led us to replace human intelligence with machines to maximize profits.


the course of human progress staggers like a drunk
As technological progress accelerates, the direction has become erratic and unpredictable.


it's steps are quick and heavy and its mind is slow and blunt
The speed of progress is rapid, but it seems like we're losing sight of its purpose and impact.


i look for optimism but i just don't know
I'm seeking positivity, but I'm uncertain about the future.


it's seeds are planted in a poison place where nothing grows
The foundation of our progress has been built on toxic practices leading to a lack of growth.


it's 1989 stand up and take a look around
The song was written in 1989 as a call to action to be aware of our surroundings.


weathers bitter tension it seems is sinking down
The political climate and external factors have led to a sense of hopelessness.


drunk with power and fighting one another every hour
Those in charge are corrupt and fighting amongst themselves constantly.


shows the winter getting harder there's a freezeup coming
The situation is nearing a breaking point and there's an impending crisis on the horizon.


one nation stands the tallest radiating blinding light
There's a predominant power in the world that seems to outshine all others, but its radiance has blind the world to its faults.


plastic and fluorescent energy robbing us of sight
Our modern society has a flashy exterior at the cost of depriving us from seeing the true essence and beauty of the world.


set in our way content with our decay
We've settled in our wasteful lifestyle, ignorant of the destruction it's causing.


we wave the flag of freedom as we conquer and invade
We pride ourselves as champions of freedom but use it as an excuse to invade and dominate other nations.


ever ask yrself where's my place in this hell but no ones there to tell you 'cause they don't know that themselves
We're lost in this dystopian society, wondering where we fit in, but we can't rely on anyone to guide us because they themselves are lost.


the well rehearsed lines from our elated politicians no longer offer solace
Politicians' well-rehearsed speeches don't provide comfort anymore since the reality contradicts their words.


we can see the self destruction just one political song to drop into the list that is years and years long
The signs of our plunge into chaos are evident and we can add another political song to the countless others that portray a grim reality.




Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: DAVID M MELLO, JESSE MICHAELS, ROGER MATTHEW FREEMAN, TIMOTHY ARMSTRONG

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@thisbugsme7645

Back in the day when Subway punched 5 of the 6 slots on your card:
“There’s a free sub.”
“There’s a free sub coming.”

@JaredBroker

This is one of those albums that are timeless, meaning they apply to every age of society. Another way to say it is that Operation Ivy's lyrics can be applied to our lives no matter our situations.

@TheBlueprintsOrlando

Facts

@Madadict

this song is still relevant 23 years after 1989. "nothing can be changed except ourselves" we're still frozen in that we haven't changed a thing.

@DouchedByDemocrats

Never will, humanity is scum

@DouchedByDemocrats

Of that i Am the A-#1 Duke of new York Exemplar

@blacksludgetoxapex5035

Still relevant 32 years later. OPivy is timeless

@branscam3794

How do u think we can change things?

@branscam3794

@@blacksludgetoxapex5035 no doubt.right?

4 More Replies...

@DoctorSess

played bass in a band in high school... we covered this, take warning, and the crowd. man i havent listened to op ivy in years. what the hell was i thinking?! brings me right back to those good ol days.

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