Opiate For The Masses was a Phoenix, Arizona-based quartet whose sound has … Read Full Bio ↴Opiate For The Masses was a Phoenix, Arizona-based quartet whose sound has a combination of influences including Tool, Depeche Mode, SOAD, Guns 'N Roses, KMFDM, Cannibal Corpse, Metallica, Ministry, Nine Inch Nails and Ween. Twist and grind them all into a fresh, original package and you have Opiate For The Masses.

Opiate For The Masses split up in 2009.

21st Century Time Bomb
Opiate For The Masses Lyrics

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falling faster everyday
half shelf life
twice the flame
second hand still ticks the same
till there's nothing left to gain

shake it off
convert the pain

with an fist we will remain
second hand still ticks the same
the revolution starts today

this is the revolution (x2)

hey
the people knelt down to pray
today
i'm an 21st century time bomb

hey
the people knelt down to pray
till may
i'm an 21st century time bomb

left right will march the same
black white no room for grey
second hand stills ticks the same
till there's nothing left to gain

don't care who's got your claim
whole world sings this refrain
second hand still ticks the same
the revolution starts today

this is the revolution (x2)

hey
the people knelt down to pray
today
i'm an 21st century time bomb

hey
the people knelt down to pray
till may
i'm an 21st century time bomb

hey
the people knelt down to pray
today
i'm an 21st century time bomb

hey
the people knelt down to pray
till may
i'm an 21st century time bomb

hey
the people knelt down to pray
today
i'm an 21st century time bomb

hey
the people knelt down to pray
till may
i'm an 21st century time bomb

21st century time bomb (x4)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "21st Century Time Bomb" by Opiate for the Masses reflect a sense of urgency and a call to action. The opening line "falling faster everyday" implies that time is running out and things are getting progressively worse. The reference to "half shelf life" and "twice the flame" suggests that things are becoming more volatile and unstable. The second hand that "still ticks the same" indicates that despite technological advances and social progress, time marches on and things remain unchanged.

The chorus of the song, "this is the revolution," is a declaration of intent. The lyrics suggest that the time for waiting and hoping for change is over and that the revolution must begin now. The lines "shake it off, convert the pain, with a fist we will remain" reflect a determination to overcome obstacles and push through adversity in order to achieve the desired change.

The bridge of the song features the repeated line "hey, the people knelt down to pray," which suggests a sense of unity and solidarity. The line "I'm a 21st century time bomb" could be interpreted as a metaphor for the potential for widespread social upheaval and change in the modern era.

Overall, "21st Century Time Bomb" is a rallying cry for action and change in the face of stagnation and decline.

Line by Line Meaning

falling faster everyday
The world is rapidly declining

half shelf life
Human life expectancy is shorter than it used to be

twice the flame
Problems are intensified by technology and modern society

second hand still ticks the same
Time goes on regardless of progress or change

till there's nothing left to gain
Society is heading towards a dead end

shake it off
Don't let the hardships of life stop you

convert the pain
Use negative experiences to fuel positive change

with an fist we will remain
We will never give up or give in

the revolution starts today
We need to take action to create change

hey
Attention-grabbing interjection