Divided
Silent Civilian (USA) Lyrics

The lyrics of Silent Civilian’s song Divided speak about the destructive influence of fascism and its impact on individual freedom of thought and action. The opening line “I'm not the one you'll deceive/choose what I want to perceive,” emphasizes the importance of independent thought in resisting attempts by authoritarian forces to manipulate one’s beliefs. The next line, “You lack the will and control/ your church is destined to fall,” suggests the fragility of belief systems that rely on coercion and imposition rather than organic growth and development of ideas.

The second verse goes on to describe the tactics used by authoritarian regimes to manipulate and subdue individuals. “Prey on the hearts of the week/give them something to believe/Undo their liberal state/revoke the right to debate/Your lies of deliverance/scare tactics gain their consent” depicts the ways in which people’s vulnerabilities and fears are exploited to propagate extremist ideologies. The line “Abortion of the free mind/create the sheep get in line” refers to the elimination of individual autonomy and the creation of a uniform, complacent society.

The chorus, “In the name of fascism, you steal/Separating what is one, won't heal/In the name of your deceit, you sell/You condemn those who think free, to hell,” reinforces the argument that fascism and other authoritarian ideologies function to rob individuals of their freedom and to promote uniformity even if this means suppression of individual thought and creativity. The final verse encourages resistance against this oppressive regime by advocating belief in oneself to resist oppression and to reject lies and manipulation.