S.P.Q.R.
Sleepytime Gorilla Museum Lyrics


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Amo amas amat, amamis amatis amant

We are all romans, unconscious collective
We are all romans, we live to regret it
We are all romans, we know all about straight roads
Every straight road leads home, home to Rome

2 + 2 = 4, 4 + 4 = 8
We organise via property as power
Slavehood and freedom imperial purple
Pax romana!

Suckled by a she wolf,
We turn against our brother
Bella bella bella, bellorum bellis bellis
Veni vidi vici, I came, I saw, I conquered

We are all romans, unconscious collective
We are all romans, we live to regret it
We are all romans, we know all about straight roads
Every straight road leads home, home to Rome

2 + 2 = 4, 4 + 4 = 8
We organise via property as power
Slavehood and freedom imperial purple
Pax romana!

Suckled by a she wolf,
We turn against our brother
Bella bella bella, bellorum bellis bellis
Veni vidi vici, I came, I saw, I conquered





We are all romans

Overall Meaning

The lyrics "Amo amas amat, amamis amatis amant" at the beginning of the song are Latin verb conjugations that translate to "I love, you love, he/she loves, we love, you all love, they love." This sets the tone for the rest of the song, which explores the idea that we are all unconsciously part of a society that behaves similarly to ancient Rome. The lyrics suggest that we are all part of a collective that is driven by the pursuit of power, and that this pursuit often leads to conflict and regret.


The song touches on many themes related to Rome, such as the straight roads that were famous during the Roman empire, the use of property as a means of organizing society and consolidating power, and the concept of Pax Romana (a period of relative peace and stability during the Roman empire). The lyrics also reference the myth of Romulus and Remus, who were said to have been suckled by a she-wolf and went on to found Rome. However, the song suggests that the Romans' tendency to turn against their own "brothers" is one of their most defining characteristics.


Line by Line Meaning

Amo amas amat, amamis amatis amant
Latin conjugation of the verb 'to love'.


We are all romans, unconscious collective
We all share the same mindset and attitude as Ancient Romans without realizing it.


We are all romans, we live to regret it
Our subconscious desire to emulate Ancient Rome brings negative consequences in the present and future.


We are all romans, we know all about straight roads
We understand the concept of efficiency, represented by the straight roads built by Ancient Romans.


Every straight road leads home, home to Rome
Our desire for efficiency leads us to emulate Ancient Rome, the pinnacle of human civilization.


2 + 2 = 4, 4 + 4 = 8
The simplicity and practicality of math can be used to streamline and control society.


We organise via property as power
The accumulation of property leads to power and control over others.


Slavehood and freedom imperial purple
The ruling class uses symbols, such as the color purple, to manipulate and control the masses into believing they have choices and freedom.


Pax romana!
The perceived 'peace' and stability of Ancient Rome was built on the oppression and subjugation of others.


Suckled by a she wolf,
The mythological tale of Romulus and Remus being nursed by a she wolf represents the brutal beginnings of Ancient Rome.


We turn against our brother
The desire for power and control can turn people against each other, even family members.


Bella bella bella, bellorum bellis bellis
Latin phrase meaning 'wars, wars, wars, of wars, in wars, for wars'. The repetition emphasizes the endless cycle of war and violence in human history.


Veni vidi vici, I came, I saw, I conquered
Famous phrase attributed to Julius Caesar, representing the ruthlessness and domination of Ancient Rome.


We are all romans, unconscious collective
We all share the same mindset and attitude as Ancient Romans without realizing it.


We are all romans, we live to regret it
Our subconscious desire to emulate Ancient Rome brings negative consequences in the present and future.


We are all romans, we know all about straight roads
We understand the concept of efficiency, represented by the straight roads built by Ancient Romans.


Every straight road leads home, home to Rome
Our desire for efficiency leads us to emulate Ancient Rome, the pinnacle of human civilization.


2 + 2 = 4, 4 + 4 = 8
The simplicity and practicality of math can be used to streamline and control society.


We organise via property as power
The accumulation of property leads to power and control over others.


Slavehood and freedom imperial purple
The ruling class uses symbols, such as the color purple, to manipulate and control the masses into believing they have choices and freedom.


Pax romana!
The perceived 'peace' and stability of Ancient Rome was built on the oppression and subjugation of others.


Suckled by a she wolf,
The mythological tale of Romulus and Remus being nursed by a she wolf represents the brutal beginnings of Ancient Rome.


We turn against our brother
The desire for power and control can turn people against each other, even family members.


Bella bella bella, bellorum bellis bellis
Latin phrase meaning 'wars, wars, wars, of wars, in wars, for wars'. The repetition emphasizes the endless cycle of war and violence in human history.


Veni vidi vici, I came, I saw, I conquered
Famous phrase attributed to Julius Caesar, representing the ruthlessness and domination of Ancient Rome.




Contributed by Violet P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

ty wa

Amo, amas, amat
Amamus, amatis, amant

We are all romans, unconscious collective
We are all romans, we live to regret it
We are all romans, we know all about straight roads
Every straight road leads home, home to Rome

2 + 2 = 4, 4 + 4 = 8
We organize via property as power
Slavehood and freedom imperial purple
Pax romana!

Suckled by a she-wolf,
We turn against our brother
Bella bella bella, bellorum bellis bellis
Veni vidi vici, I came, I saw, I conquered

We are all romans, unconscious collective
We are all romans, we live to regret it
We are all romans, we know all about straight roads
Every straight road leads home, home to Rome

2 + 2 = 4, 4 + 4 = 8
We organize via property as power
Slavehood and freedom imperial purple
Pax romana!

Suckled by a she-wolf,
We turn against our brother
Bella bella bella, bellorum bellis bellis
Veni vidi vici, I came, I saw, I conquered

We're all Romans



All comments from YouTube:

Krist S.

I've been looking for this version FOREVER. Thank you so much.

dante

unbelievable!! ive loved both of these bands for years, suddenly to discover this cover. miraculous! preordained!

ty wa

I didn't even know the guys did this cover. I've heard of This Heat band before. I don't know what the original song sounds like but I love what they did here. Sounds amazing! I can't believe I've never heard this before. Thank you for sharing. You're the greatest!

Long since dead

Listen to This Heat please. They only have like 2 records, 1 EP and a Peel session and they’re all amazing.

TrackHead Studios

I've heard of this band before, years ago... I'm dying, because I can't recall how I first discovered them man. Probably what.cd or something. Anyways, great upload. I'm subscribing now.

VonDelacroix

I remember how I found them, I was looking through bands on wikipedia of all places. Saw the name "sleepytime gorilla museum" and said, that sounds interesting. Came to youtube and listened to "the donkey headed adversary of humanity opens the book". Ive been hooked to these musicians ever since.

Eric Foster

I have this on a little orange vinyl record I bought at one of their shows back in the early 2000's. Bought it after I heard them play it live. Have never been able to find a digital version until now, thanks for that!

mics marvelous music

nice, sounds like a Bowie/Ministryish cross
 keep the tunes coming:)

donttellmymomwhatido

Hopefully I'll have some new music to upload soon, I restrict my uploads to whatever I can't find on Youtube. Thanks for checking out my channel!

Tyler Hartman

Ayy, love this shit. Solid Nills.

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