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.
Context Is For Kings
Phlebotomized Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Much as I admire
Halt between two opinions, it troubles me
Annoying figures,
Much as I despise
Stupidity and mankind
time to reconsider our human rights
The 21st century, a new era,
class justice has declined
Within living memory
judge of men' degraded humanity
We speak highly of those,
who murdered and betrayed
Money, power, even the church in which we hoped to find shelter
Tortured those who believed in something else
Who decides?
Me or you?
The central part
Preserve the happy mean between extremes
Wrong mentality?
You're kidding me
Much as I despise
Stupidity and mankind
We're the people,
time to reconsider our human rights
The 21st century, a new era,
radicalism has declined
Sickening ways, unstoppable forces,
far beyond our imagination
It's easy to respect the ones we love,
but what about those we don't?
Think small, act big, live fast, die soon,
take care, embrace
Crush stupidity of mankind!
Who decides?
Who decides? Me or you? Who decides?
Who decides? Me or you? Who decides?
Context is for kings
Context is for kings
Context is for kings
Context is for kings
To see it all... To feel it all...
To fight it all... Context is for?
To see it all... To feel it all...
To criticize it all... Context is for?
Stupidity and mankind!
Context is for kings!
In Phlebotomized's "Context Is For Kings," the opening lines powerfully present a call to reclaim the essential right of free speech while reflecting on the internal conflict that arises when faced with diverging opinions. The singer acknowledges the admiration for holding diverse views yet expresses discomfort with the indecision that often accompanies it. This dichotomy underscores a sense of urgency, highlighting how critical the ability to express oneself freely is in a world where differing opinions can create rifts. As the song progresses, there emerges a critique of societal trends that prioritize ignorance, describing figures that embody misguided beliefs, illustrating disdain for both the stupidity prevalent in humanity and the detrimental effects it has on progress and understanding.
The lyrics delve into larger themes surrounding human rights and social justice, asserting that the people's voice must be reconsidered and amplified in the context of the 21st century. The phrase "class justice has declined" points to a deterioration in equity and justice, suggesting that recent historical events have eroded the potential for a fair and just society. The reference to the degradation of humanity serves as a poignant critique of how society idolizes figures who have committed heinous acts, shedding light on a disturbing tendency to overlook moral failings in favor of wealth and power. In this framing, the church—once a sanctuary for hope—is depicted as a complicit entity, aligning with those who oppress or harm others, hinting at a profound disillusionment with institutions that should foster goodness and understanding.
The refrain "Who decides? Me or you?" conveys a powerful questioning of authority and agency within societal structures. The repetition of this question serves as a rhetorical device emphasizing the existential struggle between individual beliefs and collective norms. It encourages the listener to reflect on the nature of decision-making in a society rife with opposing viewpoints and extremes. The desire to achieve a "happy mean between extremes" suggests a yearning for balance and moderation in an increasingly polarized world. This theme of reconciling differences is weighed against the acknowledgment of a pervasive "wrong mentality," implying that shallow, destructive perspectives threaten constructive dialogue and social progress.
In the latter part of the song, the urgency intensifies as the singer confronts the “unstoppable forces” that challenge human civility and understanding. The lyrics evoke a tension between love for those close to us and the difficult task of extending empathy to those with whom we disagree. The mantra to "Think small, act big, live fast, die soon" serves as a rallying cry for people to take decisive action within their immediate spheres while recognizing that impactful changes often stem from individual choices. The concluding repetition of “Context is for kings” solidifies the idea that understanding the complexities of each situation—and acknowledging different perspectives—is vital for those in positions of power. The stark exclamation against the "stupidity of mankind" serves both as a lament for humanity's failings and a battle cry for enlightenment and accountability, underscoring a desire for clarity and wisdom in the face of chaos.
Line by Line Meaning
Recapture freedom of speech
Reclaim the ability to express oneself openly and without fear.
Much as I admire
Despite having great respect for certain ideals or individuals.
Halt between two opinions, it troubles me
Being indecisive or caught in conflicting viewpoints causes me discomfort.
Annoying figures,
People or entities that irritate and frustrate.
Much as I despise
Even though I have a strong aversion to them.
Stupidity and mankind
The foolishness inherent in humanity.
We're the people,
We are the collective society, the voice of the populace.
time to reconsider our human rights
It's necessary to reevaluate and reflect on our fundamental freedoms.
The 21st century, a new era,
This current age represents significant change and transformation.
class justice has declined
The fairness and equality in social status have diminished over time.
Within living memory
In recent history that is still within our collective experience.
judge of men' degraded humanity
Assessing how humanity has fallen from moral and ethical standards.
We speak highly of those,
We often praise certain individuals.
who murdered and betrayed
Those who have committed acts of betrayal and violence.
Money, power, even the church in which we hoped to find shelter
The institutions and forces we once relied on for security now contribute to corruption.
Tortured those who believed in something else
People who held different beliefs were oppressed and harmed.
Who decides?
Who has the authority to make choices and judgments?
Me or you?
Is it my decision or yours that holds weight?
The central part
The crucial aspect or core issue in this dialogue.
Preserve the happy mean between extremes
Maintain balance and moderation instead of falling into polarizing views.
Wrong mentality?
Is the way of thinking flawed or misguided?
You're kidding me
This is unbelievable or absurd to even suggest.
Much as I despise
Despite my intense dislike.
Stupidity and mankind
The inherent foolishness of humanity we continually encounter.
We're the people,
We are the society that collectively experiences these issues.
time to reconsider our human rights
We need to rethink and reevaluate our basic human freedoms.
The 21st century, a new era,
This present time is characterized by significant change and challenges.
radicalism has declined
Extreme ideologies have lessened in prominence.
Sickening ways, unstoppable forces,
Disgusting behaviors and powerful influences that cannot be easily resisted.
far beyond our imagination
These concepts and phenomena exceed what we can conceive.
It's easy to respect the ones we love,
Showing admiration is simple for those close to us.
but what about those we don't?
How do we treat or regard people we have no personal connection with?
Think small, act big, live fast, die soon,
Focus on minor details, take bold actions, live life to the fullest, even if it's brief.
take care, embrace
Show kindness and acceptance in our interactions.
Crush stupidity of mankind!
An urgent call to eliminate ignorance and foolishness among people.
Who decides?
An inquiry into the authority to make critical decisions.
Who decides? Me or you? Who decides?
Repeating the question emphasizes the uncertainty of who holds power over choices.
Context is for kings
Understanding and interpretation are privileges reserved for those in authority.
Context is for kings
Reiterated to stress that only those in power control the narrative.
Context is for kings
Reiterated to underscore the exclusive nature of context in governing.
Context is for kings
Stressed again to highlight the dominance of power in defining meaning.
To see it all... To feel it all...
Desire to experience everything fully and deeply.
To fight it all... Context is for?
To struggle against all adversities; questioning the essence of understanding.
To see it all... To feel it all...
Reiterating the wish to experience life in its fullest range.
To criticize it all... Context is for?
To analyze and critique everything; probing the significance of context.
Stupidity and mankind!
Highlighting the foolishness of humanity once more.
Context is for kings!
Final affirmation that only the powerful shape the understanding of situations.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Rob op `t Veld, Tom Palms
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind