Propagandhi is a punk rock band based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, formed… Read Full Bio ↴Propagandhi is a punk rock band based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, formed in 1986. Both in their lyrics and activism, the band's members champion various left-wing causes and veganism; their music takes a vocal stance against human rights violations, sexism, racism, nationalism, homophobia, capitalism and religion.

Current members:
Chris Hannah – vocals, guitar (1986–present)
Jord Samolesky – drums (1986–present)
Todd Kowalski – bass, vocals (1997–present)
Sulynn Hago – guitar, vocals (2015–present)

Former members
Scott Hopper – bass, vocals (1986–89)
Mike Braumeister – bass (1989–91)
John K. Samson – bass, vocals (1991–97)
David Guillas – guitar, vocals (2006–2015)

1993 - How to Clean Everything
1996 - Less Talk, More Rock
2001 - Today's Empires, Tomorrow's Ashes
2005 - Potemkin City Limits
2009 - Supporting Caste
2012 - Failed States
2017 - Victory Lap

Firestorm My Ass
Propagandhi Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Heard a song and I counted out loud the two-steps, the goose-steps back. back from square one, from where we'd just begun, and then it rang a bell-but is this kristallnacht or what the fuck is your plan? would you care to expand? and I don't deny the choice, but I defy you as the voice of anything I've stood for in these past 9 years, I've conquered the nurturing and found that anything worth conquering is powered, built and backed by fear, not by fact. and having said that... meat is still murder. dairy is still rape. and I'm still as stupid as anyone, but I know my mistakes. I have recognized one form of oppression, now I recognize the rest. and life's too short to make another's shorter.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Propagandhi's song Firestorm My Ass present an introspective reflection on personal growth, social justice and activism. The opening lines draw attention to the rhythmic similarities between two-steps and goose-steps, the latter being a reference to the marching style used by Nazi soldiers during the Holocaust. This not only showcases the band's punk rock roots but also serves as a warning against the dangers of fascism and authoritarianism.

The reference to kristallnacht, the night of the broken glass, alludes to the violent anti-Jewish pogroms that took place in Germany in 1938, and prompts the question of whether the world is once again headed towards a similar scenario. The singer then challenges the listener to expand on their plans for change and activism, revealing a deep-seated cynicism towards empty rhetoric without tangible action.

The lyrics then move into a confession of personal fallibility, admitting to previous ignorance and mistakes, but ultimately coming to the realization that all forms of oppression are interconnected and must be fought against. The final line of the song, "and life's too short to make another's shorter", serves a as a call to action, urging the listener to use their own agency to dismantle oppressive systems and create a more just world.

Line by Line Meaning

Heard a song and I counted out loud the two-steps, the goose-steps back.
I listened to a song and noticed the similarities between the beats of this song and the marches of Nazi soldiers.

Back from square one, from where we'd just begun and then it rang a bell-but is this kristallnacht or what the fuck is your plan?
We seem to have returned to our starting point, but I can't help but wonder if this violent upheaval is our new starting point or if you have a different plan.

Would you care to expand? And I don't deny the choice, but I defy you as the voice of anything I've stood for in these past 9 years.
Can you please explain your motivations and goals? Even if I understand and respect the freedom of choice, I can't support you as a representative of what I have believed in and fought for over the past 9 years.

I've conquered the nurturing and found that anything worth conquering is powered, built and backed by fear, not by fact.
I have overcome my naivety and realized that all desirable outcomes are achieved through the force of fear, not the power of truth and reason.

And having said that... meat is still murder. Dairy is still rape. And I'm still as stupid as anyone, but I know my mistakes.
Despite my hard-won wisdom, I still cling to my principles that animal products are unethical. I am far from perfect, but at least I own up to my mistakes.

I have recognized one form of oppression, now I recognize the rest. And life's too short to make another's shorter.
I have learned to see one type of oppression, and now I understand that there are many more. We should not actively harm others, as life is already too brief and fleeting.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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