New World
Strawbs Lyrics


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Strawbs - New World

There's blood in the dust
Where the city's heart beats
The children play games
That they take from the streets
How can you teach when you've so much to learn
May you turn
In your grave
New world.

There is hate in your eyes
I have seen it before
Planning destruction
Behind the locked door
Were you the coward who fired the last shot
May you rot
In your grave
New world.

There is death in the air
With the lights growing dim
As those who survive
Sing a desperate hymn
Pray that God grants you one final request
May you rest




In your grave
New world.

Overall Meaning

The Strawbs' song "New World" is a haunting commentary on the destructive nature of war and the lasting impact it has on those who survive. The first stanza paints a grim picture of a city torn apart by conflict, with blood in the dust and children forced to resort to violent games. The singer is critical of those who claim to have all the answers but actually have much to learn, telling them they will "turn in your grave" in the new world they have helped create.


The second stanza focuses on the hate and cowardice that fuel the ongoing conflict. The singer points out that those who plan destruction do so behind locked doors, suggesting that they are not willing to personally face the consequences of their actions. The line "were you the coward who fired the last shot" implies that the singer blames individuals for the violence rather than any larger system or ideology. The final stanza is perhaps the most poignant, as it describes death gradually overtaking the survivors and leaving them to sing a "desperate hymn" as they face their own mortality. The only hope offered is that God will grant them a peaceful end - otherwise, they too will "rest in your grave" in the new world.


Overall, "New World" is a powerful song that offers a searing critique of war and its impact on individuals and society as a whole. Its lyrics are especially relevant today, as conflicts continue to rage around the world and the toll they take on both civilians and soldiers becomes increasingly clear.


Line by Line Meaning

There's blood in the dust
Violence and suffering have stained the land


Where the city's heart beats
In the center of urban life


The children play games
Even the young must cope with harsh realities


That they take from the streets
Learning from the impoverished surroundings


How can you teach when you've so much to learn
An admonition against claiming superiority


May you turn
May you reflect upon this warning


In your grave
After you've departed this world


New world.
A bitter sarcasm, suggesting that this environment offers no improvement


There is hate in your eyes
A person's demeanor reveals malevolent intentions


I have seen it before
This behavior is all too familiar


Planning destruction
Plotting malice


Behind the locked door
In secret


Were you the coward who fired the last shot
Questioning responsibility for the horrors committed


May you rot
An expression of disgust and contempt


In your grave
Hope of a deservedly dismal fate


There is death in the air
A pervasive aura of morbidity


With the lights growing dim
A metaphor for diminishing hope


As those who survive
The few who endure these hardships


Sing a desperate hymn
Mourning for what has been lost


Pray that God grants you one final request
Acknowledging the inevitable, seeking solace


May you rest
A kinder wish for the departed


In your grave
The final resting place for all


New world.
An ironic, bitter conclusion to this bleak portrait




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: COUSINS, David Cousins

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Jame Shannon

The only thing I do know is the Strawbs are the most underrated band of prog!!

John Ridpath

An Amazing album that came out in the love and peace era.  For those of us who lived and tripped through it all, it was during the best years of my life, going out to you Helen.

Jeffrey Shaw

I had the privilege of seeing this band on the grave new world tour in Watford town hall and the sound was just as good as the studio re

arthur Deth

This track makes the hairs stand up for me and is is quite emotional due to the expression of the music.

Bob Thompson

Same here. When he got to the last verse and the following chorus, I had tears in my eyes. It seems to resolve the darkness in the beginning.

Daniel phenix

Their most powerfull song ever...music and lyrics together forms this cataclysm

Rhialto-the-Marvellous

A triple gatefold sleeve, artwork by William Blake, a stunning centrefold depiction of a Sage on top of the World, reference to the Tibetan Book of the Dead, a beautifully conceived booklet of lyrics, and incredibly diverse musical content - it could only be the early 70s.

Tom Kulig

This goes out to my father ! He recently passed away. Love you n miss u dearly dad! So im gonna start the party concert with one of your most favorite bands! STRAWBS !

kuujjuaq58

Sorry to hear that, man.

Larry A

Bless you and your pops, Tom!

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