The band played at the Scandinavian Roskilde Festival in 2004. At one time they were signed to Burning Heart Records, which houses a number of Swedish punk rock and hardcore punk bands.
In 2010 Hagman received a serious electrical shock during a concert in Sundsvall when he touched a power cable which had been punctured by a riot fence. He collapsed on the stage.
The band's album Veil of Ignorance, released in 2009, placed on the Swedish charts and was nominated for a Swedish Grammy Award. Many of the songs on this album were written by Hagman.
In 2013 Raised Fist signed a two-album contract with Epitaph Records. In 2015, after working on the songs for five years, Raised Fist released an album From the North.
Vocalist Alexander appeared in an interview on Swedish television TV4 where he criticizes the EU Directive on the enforcement of intellectual property rights in EU countries.
Afraid
Raised Fist Lyrics
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Trying to create the land of the supreme.
The decision making leave my heart aching.
They smooth up their lips with vaseline.
But talk is cheap, cheaper than gasoline.
People are afraid of intruders, to get sued.
Afraid to be rude,
Afraid of getting pursued.
They are afraid of life.
Trying to find an upside,
People might be afraid to commit suicide.
But unfortunately people die by bombs applied,
When desperation is oversupplied.
Taking lives, leaving witnesses cold as ice.
In Raised Fist's "Afraid" there is a critique of the societal pressures that lead to fear and a need for control. The song begins with the notion that society constructs an ideal world or "land of supreme" that is unobtainable and only options are to vent in anger or hold in the aching emotions. The decision-making that goes on can be difficult and unfair, making the heart ache. Here, the lyrics suggest that fear and anxiety can arise from this situation, with fears of being intruded upon, sued, and pursued. It becomes a commentary on the very idea of safety in society; fears of the unknown, fears of crossing a line, or even the fear of poor food choices. All contribute to a pervasive atmosphere of fear in our daily lives. Words can’t be trusted as people use words so easily, and they do it without having any kind of sentimental attachment to anything or anyone. It appears to the writer that people use language to manipulate others for their own benefit or protection.
Later, the lyrics take on a more political/conspiratorial flavor, mentioning that people are afraid to take drastic steps that might challenge the status quo. Here, the song suggests that people are afraid to speak up when things are broken or when systems fail. The lyrics mention that people might fear committing suicide, but instead the fear of domination of others and bombing becomes a reality, which oversupplies desperation and brings on further loss of life when innocence gets caught in the crossfire. Ultimately, the song portrays a society that is fundamentally distrustful of outsiders and fearful of change, even if the cost of that fear is too high. It's a powerful critique of the world and society that examines the fears we have and the roots of societal constructs that lead us there.
Line by Line Meaning
Your superpower dream is blowing up steam.
You desire a great ability that you hardly believe could ever come to pass.
Trying to create the land of the supreme.
You are trying to establish a perfect world where everyone is happy and powerful.
The decision making leave my heart aching.
The thought and pressure of making choices causes you unbearable emotional pain.
They smooth up their lips with vaseline.
People try to hide their true intentions by being deceitful.
But talk is cheap, cheaper than gasoline.
Hollow words and promises made by people are worthless, and even less valuable than gasoline.
People are afraid of intruders, to get sued.
Many individuals are frightened by strangers and getting into legal trouble.
Even afraid of the food,
Some people dread eating certain types of food, either because of allergies, nutritional concerns, or other reasons.
Afraid to be rude,
Being impolite or disrespectful frightens many individuals.
Afraid of getting pursued.
Being chased after by someone or something that means harm terrifies most people.
They are afraid of life.
Many individuals fear the unknowns and unpredictability of living.
Trying to find an upside,
I’m hoping to find any good or positive aspects to the current situation.
People might be afraid to commit suicide.
A number of individuals may have thoughts of taking their life but perhaps, are scared to actually do so or of the consequences that may follow.
But unfortunately people die by bombs applied,
Sadly, individuals often meet their end when explosive weapons are used.
When desperation is oversupplied.
When there’s an abundance of desperation, calling for a huge dire for help.
Taking lives, leaving witnesses cold as ice.
Many die, and those who see or experience this death scene are left in a state of shock or numbness.
Contributed by Alaina A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.