Discography
• Suicidal Tendencies (1983)
• Join the Army (1987)
• How Will I Laugh Tomorrow When I Can't Even Smile Today (1988)
• Controlled by Hatred/Feel Like Shit...Déjà Vu (1989)
• Lights...Camera...Revolution! (1990)
• The Art of Rebellion (1992)
• Still Cyco After All These Years (1993)
• Suicidal for Life (1994)
• Freedumb (1999)
• Free Your Soul and Save My Mind (2000)
• No Mercy Fool!/The Suicidal Family (2010)
• 13 (2013)
• World Gone Mad (2016)
• Still Cyco Punk After All These Years (2018)
Subliminal
Suicidal Tendencies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Shown too quickly to be seen
Does not register in my conscious mind
Propaganda of another kind
They're fucking with me subliminally
They're fucking with me subliminally
Danger-nightmare
Murder-nightmare
Nightmare-nightmare
Watching TV, I start to cry
For no reason, I don't know why
Could it be from messages on my TV
Which I'm getting subliminally?
They're fucking with me subliminally
They're fucking with me subliminally
Danger-nightmare
Doomsday-nightmare
Murder-nightmare
Nightmare-nightmare
Mind control the easiest way
Sponsored by the CIA
It's a weapon you cannot see
It's propaganda subliminally
They're fucking with me subliminally
They're fucking with me subliminally
Danger-nightmare
Doomsday-nightmare
Murder-nightmare
Nightmare-nightmare
The song "Subliminal" by Suicidal Tendencies is a commentary on the power of subliminal messaging and propaganda in mass media. The lyrics detail the insidious nature of subliminal messages on TV screens and other media devices. The flashing pictures that are shown too quickly to be seen are described as propaganda of another kind – one that is designed to infiltrate the subconscious mind and manipulate emotions.
The lyrics paint a picture of a world that is filled with danger, doom, and murder – all of which are planted in the mind through subliminal messaging. The chorus repeats the words "danger-nightmare, doomsday-nightmare, murder-nightmare, nightmare-nightmare" – evoking a sense of helplessness and hopelessness in the face of a media landscape that is constantly bombarding us with negative messages.
The song also touches on the idea of mind control and how easy it is to manipulate people through subliminal messaging. The reference to the CIA sponsoring this kind of mind control highlights the political implications of subliminal messaging and propaganda. Overall, "Subliminal" is a powerful commentary on the insidious ways in which mass media can shape our thoughts, emotions, and perceptions without us even realizing it.
Line by Line Meaning
Flashing pictures on my screen
The images that quickly appear and disappear on my TV screen.
Shown too quickly to be seen
The pictures flash so fast that they are not recognizable by my conscious mind.
Does not register in my conscious mind
The images are not identified by my conscious mind, but are perceived nonetheless.
Propaganda of another kind
A form of manipulation or persuasion that is not immediately recognizable.
They're fucking with me subliminally
They are deliberately and secretly manipulating me through subliminal messaging.
Danger-nightmare
A message intended to create fear, anxiety or danger in the minds of those who receive it.
Doomsday-nightmare
A message intended to create fear or anxiety of impending doom, destruction or disaster.
Murder-nightmare
A message intended to create fear, anxiety or horror of death, killing or murder.
Nightmare-nightmare
An image that is deeply disturbing or frightening.
Watching TV, I start to cry
Without an obvious reason, I begin to cry while watching TV.
For no reason, I don't know why
Without any clear indication as to why I am emotionally disturbed.
Could it be from messages on my TV
Perhaps the cause of my emotional distress could be a result of the messages coming through my TV.
Which I'm getting subliminally?
Could the messages be targeting me, secretly and subtly infiltrating my mind?
Mind control the easiest way
Using subliminal messaging is an easy and effective method for gaining control over someone's mind.
Sponsored by the CIA
The CIA is suspected of having used and directed research into subliminal messaging as a means of control.
It's a weapon you cannot see
The use of subliminal messaging allows one to control the mind without the target even realizing it.
It's propaganda subliminally
One is being subtly manipulated through subliminal tactics that are intended to persuade or influence.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: MIKE MUIR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind