Monolith
Pig Destroyer Lyrics


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Archaic bureaucracy doomed from the outset
Bloated and hedonistic
Invincible and inert
A bedridden monolith of uselessness
We lack the fortitude to pull the plug
Unable to envision our lives without it
Instead we maintain a two hundred year vigil
Praying for a miracle of some kind
Not realizing that every day of mourning




Is also a day of regression
Social evolution is neutralized by antiqued tradition.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Pig Destroyer's "Monolith" discuss the tragic nature of an outdated and ineffective bureaucracy. The "bedridden monolith of uselessness" refers to a government or institution that has become so bloated with unnecessary processes and traditions that it is now powerless and unable to adapt to the changing times. The lyrics highlight the frustration of those who must live under such a system, unable to break free from the chains of the past.


The song also speaks to a larger societal problem, that being our tendency to cling to tradition and ritual, even when it no longer serves us. We are afraid to let go of the old ways, unable to envision a future without them, even if they are holding us back. In our devotion to the past, we are unable to progress, and as a result, we become stagnant, unable to reach our full potential.


Overall, "Monolith" is a powerful commentary on the dangers of inherited systems of power and the importance of questioning and breaking free from these structures. It is a call to arms for those who wish to see a brighter future for themselves and their communities.


Line by Line Meaning

Archaic bureaucracy doomed from the outset
The outdated bureaucratic systems were destined to fail from the beginning.


Bloated and hedonistic
The bureaucratic systems were excessive and self-indulgent.


Invincible and inert
The bureaucracy was unmovable and lifeless.


A bedridden monolith of uselessness
The bureaucracy was a giant, immobile structure that served no purpose.


We lack the fortitude to pull the plug
We lack the courage to dismantle the bureaucracy entirely.


Unable to envision our lives without it
We cannot imagine a world without the bureaucracy, even if it is dysfunctional.


Instead we maintain a two hundred year vigil
We continue to keep watch over the bureaucracy for over two centuries.


Praying for a miracle of some kind
We hope for a sudden improvement, even though it seems unlikely.


Not realizing that every day of mourning
We do not understand that every day we spend lamenting this bureaucracy is a day wasted.


Is also a day of regression
Each day we feel sorry for ourselves is a day of moving backward, not forward.


Social evolution is neutralized by antiqued tradition
The progress of society is hindered by outdated customs and habits.




Contributed by Jordyn P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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