Originally, they were a death/grind band called Bacterial Cancer, then Bacterial Disease. They changed their name to Phlebotomized and their style around 1990.
They reunited in 2013 and Immense Intense Suspense & Skycontact has been reissued as a double album in 2014.
Collusion Starts Here
Phlebotomized Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can you smell it in the air?
Your hair, clothes and sweat
They say collusion starts here
No one is taking care of
Is that true?' The criticaster speaks
He's one of those, making a lot of money
Speaking from his tower, that's easy you know
Money's nice, but fame is even nicer,
but collusion starts here, collusion starts here!
Money's nice, but fame is even nicer,
but collusion starts here, collusion starts here!
Can you smell it in the air?
Your hair, clothes and sweat
They say collusion starts here
Look around and you will know
Is that true?' The common man speaks
Not for himself or his brothers
Money's nice, fame's nicer
Speaking out his visions, the ones which will save us all
Money's nice, but fame is even nicer,
but collusion starts here, collusion starts here!
Money's nice, but fame is even nicer,
but collusion starts here, collusion starts here!
This state of denial,
this state of denial a threat to us all
Causing all these problems,
look around and you will know
To really see what's going on,
takes a lot more than we do
Unite our visions, the ones which will save us all
Can you smell it? In the air... Can you smell it?
Can you smell it? In the air... Can you smell it?
Can you smell it? In the air... Can you smell it?
Can you smell it?
Phlebotomized's "Collusion Starts Here" presents a commentary on societal issues, focusing particularly on the intersection of power, accountability, and the ongoing struggles of the common man. The opening lines immediate establish a sensory experience inviting the listeners to consider the palpable tension in the air. The references to "your hair, clothes and sweat" serve as metaphors that suggest a collective existence marked by toil and hardship. This imagery is then juxtaposed with the idea of "collusion," which introduces a theme of complicity in the face of neglect—implying that societal problems are not just peripheral issues, but something that is inherently tied to the fabric of daily life.
The song's second verse shifts the perspective to that of a criticaster, a term that suggests cynicism without real accountability. This character, who speaks from a metaphorical "tower," indicates a disconnection from the very community they are critiquing. This highlights the disparity between the powerful elite and the common populace, with the critic's wealth allowing for a comfortable detachment from the struggles of others. The line "He's one of those, making a lot of money" implies that while economic success is attainable, it often comes with a disconcerting moral compromise—perhaps indicating that those in power are often detached from the consequences of their actions or the truth of everyday experiences.
Following up on the themes of money and fame, the chorus reinforces the idea that while wealth is attractive, the pursuit of fame can corrupt one's sense of responsibility and awareness. The repetitive assertions that "collusion starts here" serve to emphasize a cyclical nature of both complicity and awareness; such collusion may manifest in societal apathy where individuals allow themselves to be misled or distracted by ephemeral desires. It reflects a critique of society's tendency to prioritize individual success over collective conscience, suggesting that as fame replaces integrity, social issues continue to fester unnoticed.
The later verses bring the perspective of the "common man," who represents the voice of the oppressed yet hopeful. The assertion that "to really see what's going on, takes a lot more than we do" reveals an awareness of the complexities that underlie societal issues, calling for unity and shared vision amongst individuals. This plea is not simply for awareness but for action and solidarity, indicating that resolving systemic issues requires a collective effort and deeper understanding. The repetition of questioning "Can you smell it?" serves as a powerful closing mantra, encapsulating the urgency of awakening to the reality of the situation. It compels listeners to reflect on their own involvement and highlights the importance of recognizing the signs of collusion that permeate their surroundings.
Line by Line Meaning
Can you smell it in the air?
Do you sense the underlying tension or conflict that permeates the atmosphere?
Your hair, clothes and sweat
The physical presence of individuals is mingling with the discomfort of the situation, reflecting their emotional state.
They say collusion starts here
There are whispers that this is the birthplace of secret cooperation or deceit among those in power.
No one is taking care of
There is a noticeable neglect regarding responsibility and accountability towards the common good.
Is that true?' The criticaster speaks
A figure who criticizes poses a question, seeking clarity in the midst of confusion.
Not for himself or his brothers
His concerns are not personal, nor do they reflect the interests of his peers; rather, they are detached.
He's one of those, making a lot of money
This individual benefits materially from the system, gaining wealth through his position.
Speaking from his tower, that's easy you know
It is simple for someone in a position of privilege to critique others without experiencing their struggles firsthand.
Money's nice, but fame is even nicer,
While financial gain is appealing, the allure of recognition and status surpasses it.
but collusion starts here, collusion starts here!
Despite the surface-level appeal of wealth and fame, the fundamental issues of complicity and deceit are rooted in the environment.
Money's nice, but fame is even nicer,
There is a reiteration of the idea that status and acknowledgment are more gratifying than simply having wealth.
but collusion starts here, collusion starts here!
Reemphasizing that the beginning of hidden alliances lies within this same atmosphere of desire for fame and fortune.
Can you smell it in the air?
Are you alert to the pervasive sense of opportunity and deceit that hangs around us?
Your hair, clothes and sweat
The essence of individuals in this environment is saturated with the physicality of their presence amidst the tension.
They say collusion starts here
It is suggested that this is the seed of covert partnerships and unethical collaborations.
Look around and you will know
If you observe closely, the reality will reveal itself, suggesting an undeniable truth.
Is that true?' The common man speaks
An ordinary individual questions the established narratives, bringing forth his perspective.
Not for himself or his brothers
His inquiry is not self-serving; rather, it reflects a collective concern for the welfare of the wider community.
Money's nice, fame's nicer
Acknowledging that financial success is good, but greater is the desire for recognition and respect.
Speaking out his visions, the ones which will save us all
He articulates hopeful ideas aimed at uniting and helping society overcome its challenges.
Money's nice, but fame is even nicer,
Similar to previous sentiments, highlighting how the pursuit of glory is a stronger motivation.
but collusion starts here, collusion starts here!
Reiterating the idea that this space is fraught with the roots of unethical alliances despite the chase for recognition.
This state of denial,
Acknowledging the widespread refusal to accept troubling realities around us.
this state of denial a threat to us all
This unacknowledged ignorance poses significant risks to the community as a whole.
Causing all these problems,
The refusal to confront issues leads to a myriad of societal challenges.
look around and you will know
A call to observe and recognize the signs of distress lurking within our surroundings.
To really see what's going on,
Genuinely understanding our circumstances requires deeper contemplation and awareness.
takes a lot more than we do
Addressing the complexities of our reality demands more effort than is currently exerted.
Unite our visions, the ones which will save us all
There is a need for collective insight and action that may lead to salvation and improvement for everyone.
Can you smell it? In the air... Can you smell it?
Are you attuned to the tangible atmosphere of tension and deceit that surrounds us, urging awareness and awakening?
Can you smell it? In the air... Can you smell it?
A repeated plea to acknowledge the urgent reality that is often ignored or overlooked.
Can you smell it? In the air... Can you smell it?
Continuing to prompt for recognition of the heavy ambiance of truth struggling to break through.
Can you smell it?
A final call to open one’s senses to the underlying issues that are pervasive yet unspoken.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Tom Palms
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind