Ballots and Bullets
Rome Lyrics


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One world, one federation, a million tribes
When will you find the courage to join the good fight?
Some of you think we’re cruel and enraged
Some of you think that we’re blind to the wars you wage

Ballots and bullets cannot debate what we know
Ballots and bullets cannot deface the truth we hold
And now that you are so prudent and aged
We see you never really cared for freedom and the rage
Must we lose all courage to gain some peace?
Must we lose all lust in times like these?

Ballots and bullets cannot replace what we’ve grown
Ballots and bullets cannot erase the lies you told

If we are ever to return
It will be in chains
If we are ever to overturn
It will be in vain

Ballots and bullets cannot debate what we know




Ballots and bullets cannot deface the truth we hold
Ballots and bullets cannot replace what we’ve grown

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Rome's song "Ballots and Bullets" speak to the struggle for freedom and the sacrifices that have been made throughout history to achieve it. The first two lines of the song set the tone for the overarching theme, which is the unification of humanity. The idea of "one world, one federation" refers to the many different cultures and tribes that exist on this planet and the need for them to come together in pursuit of a common goal. The line that follows - "When will you find the courage to join the good fight?" - suggests that, despite the current state of disunity and division, there is still hope for a better future.


The second stanza suggests that some people don't fully understand the gravity of the current political climate, either because they see those who are fighting for change as "cruel and enraged" or because they are ignorant to the fact that wars are being waged all over the world. The pitting of "ballots" against "bullets" in these lines speaks to the idea that change can be achieved through either peaceful or violent means, but ultimately, the fight for justice and equality cannot be ignored.


In the final stanza, the song takes on a more somber tone. The line "If we are ever to return/It will be in chains" suggests that if humanity doesn't learn from its past mistakes, we will be doomed to repeat them. The final repetition of "ballots and bullets cannot" serves as a reminder that no matter how hard those in power try to control the narrative, the truth will always prevail.


Line by Line Meaning

One world, one federation, a million tribes
The world is comprised of diverse groups of people, but we should come together and be united for a common goal.


When will you find the courage to join the good fight?
We need people to stand up and fight for what is right, instead of remaining silent.


Some of you think we’re cruel and enraged
Some people criticize us for being too aggressive and angry in our fight for justice.


Some of you think that we’re blind to the wars you wage
Some people think we are ignorant to the conflicts and battles that are occurring around us.


Ballots and bullets cannot debate what we know
Neither political tactics nor violence can change what we already know to be true.


Ballots and bullets cannot deface the truth we hold
No amount of force or manipulation can change the truth that we stand for.


And now that you are so prudent and aged
Now that you are older and wiser, we realize that you were never really dedicated to the pursuit of freedom and justice.


We see you never really cared for freedom and the rage
We realize that you were never truly passionate about achieving freedom from oppression and injustice.


Must we lose all courage to gain some peace?
Do we have to abandon our fight for justice in order to achieve a sense of calm and tranquility?


Must we lose all lust in times like these?
Do we have to give up our passion and desire for change during these tumultuous times?


Ballots and bullets cannot replace what we’ve grown
Our experiences and growth cannot be replaced by political or violent tactics.


Ballots and bullets cannot erase the lies you told
Neither political nor violent actions can undo the lies and deceit that have been spread in the past.


If we are ever to return It will be in chains If we are ever to overturn It will be in vain
If we allow ourselves to become complacent and revert back to our old ways, we will be enslaved once again. Similarly, if our fight for change does not result in real progress, it will be all for nothing.




Contributed by Leo G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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