Refused's lyrics focus mostly on revolutionary politics, drawing on Marxism and anarchism. Formed from the ashes of Step Forward, by the time of their first album the band already had a strong anti-establishment profile. Members were all vegan straight edge until their last show in 1998. After the initial breakup, Lyxzén formed other bands such as the (International) Noise Conspiracy, AC4, and INVSN.
Current members
Dennis Lyxzén — vocals (1991-present)
David Sandström — drums (1991–present)
Kristofer Steen — guitars (1994–present)
Magnus Flagge — bass (1992–present)
Mattias Bärjed — guitar (2019–present)
Former members
Jon Brännström — guitars (1994–2014)
Jonas Lidgren — bass (1991-1992)
Pär Hansson — guitars (1991–1994)
Henrik Jansson — guitars (1992–1995)
Magnus Höggren — bass (1995–1997)
Ulf Nybérg — bass (1997–1998)
Discography:
1994 - This Just Might Be... the Truth
1996 - Songs to Fan the Flames
1998 - The Shape of Punk to Come
2015 - Freedom
2019 - War Music
www.officialrefused.com
Break
Refused Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well wake the fuck up cause they really do
how many ways are society going to fuck it up
how many lies until we had enough
we gotta start and care about the consequences
take a look around, it don't make any sense
pollution, oppression, violence and destruction
lies, deciet, poverty and corruption
to the problems that we're facing
Our indifference Our tolerance makes me sick
indoctrinate lies, cover your eyes
mold us into the mainstream, taking our lives
we gotta break these chains
In Refused's song Break, the lyrics are a scathing indictment of society's problems and the apathy and ignorance that allows them to continue. The verse "You say the problems don't concern you, well wake the fuck up cause they really do" is a call to action to those who are indifferent or unaware to the issues that plague society. The lyrics go on to list some of the problems that are of concern such as pollution, oppression, violence, destruction, lies, deceit, poverty, and corruption.
The chorus "Our ignorance has made us blind to the problems that we're facing, Our indifference, Our tolerance, makes me sick" speaks to the idea that society's failure to acknowledge and address these issues is a dangerous form of blindness. The song argues that there is a need to break free from the chains of complacency, conformity, and indoctrination that keep us trapped in a cycle of destruction.
The song's message is delivered through aggressive punk rock music with screaming vocals, fast-paced drumming, and heavy guitar riffs. The raw energy of the music underscores the urgency of the lyrics and the frustration and anger that the band feels towards the state of society. Break is a call to action for individuals to become more aware and active in addressing the problems that affect us all.
Line by Line Meaning
You say the problems don't concern you
You may claim that the various problems in society do not worry you
Well wake the fuck up cause they really do
However, you should realize that these problems can affect you as well
how many ways are society going to fuck it up
There are countless examples of how society can corrupt and destroy itself
how many lies until we had enough
At some point, we need to recognize that society often hides the truth from us
we gotta start and care about the consequences
It's essential that we acknowledge and consider the potential results of our actions
take a look around, it don't make any sense
When we observe the world around us, it often seems bewildering and chaotic
pollution, oppression, violence and destruction
The world is plagued with a variety of issues such as environmental degradation, tyranny, abuse, and chaos
lies, deciet, poverty and corruption
Additionally, there are many other problems that plague us such as deceit, dishonesty, indigence, and bribery
Our ignorance, has made us blind
Our lack of knowledge and understanding has caused us to overlook many of these issues
to the problems that we're facing
These are important issues that require our attention and action
Our indifference Our tolerance makes me sick
Furthermore, when we ignore and are indifferent to these problems, it is very distressing
indoctrinate lies, cover your eyes
This is especially problematic since many people try to deceive us and conceal information from us
mold us into the mainstream, taking our lives
Some people also try to control and manipulate us to fit into societal norms, which can be harmful to our well-being
we gotta break these chains
To overcome these issues and live fulfilling lives, we must free ourselves from these societal chains
Contributed by Alyssa H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.