https://soundcloud.com/assemblage-23
http://surveillance23.bandcamp.com/
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Surveillance is a lo-fi power pop group from Halifax, N.S.
http://surveillance2015.bandcamp.com/
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Surveillance is a heavy metal band from Michigan.
Panic
Surveillance Lyrics
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Rampant disconnection birthed from bloody soil
A language of division permeates the air
Outrage manufactured, tearing at the seams
Panic in the empire
Panic in the streets
Panic where the fear and oblivion meets
Violence of the mind
Violence of advantage guided by the blind
Sounding the alarm, fanning all the flames
A creed of paranoia, philosophy of spite
Ratchet up the tension, tighten all the screws
Let them hang themselves from gallows of their own
Panic in the empire
Panic in the streets
Panic where the fear and oblivion meets
Violence of suspicion
Violence of the mind
Violence of advantage guided by the blind
Hysteria prevails where reason dare not tread
Crushed beneath the pressure, shattered into sand
Among the smoking wreckage, the ruins of an age
Remnants of a riot no one can recall
Panic in the empire
Panic in the streets
Panic where the fear and oblivion meets
Violence of suspicion
Violence of the mind
Violence of advantage guided by the blind
The lyrics of Surveillance's song "Panic" offer a harsh commentary on the state of society today, highlighting the negative impact of anger, hate, disconnection, and division. The song implies that these destructive forces have led to a widespread feeling of fear and panic, both in the empire (perhaps referring to the government or ruling class) and on the streets (representing the people and their collective psyche).
The first stanza describes how the "outrage manufactured" by those in power is tearing society apart at the seams. The second mentions the "violence of suspicion" and "violence of the mind," suggesting that people are quick to judge and attack one another based on misunderstandings, assumptions, or differences in opinion. The third stanza takes a more pessimistic turn, portraying a society where hysteria and chaos have taken over, leaving nothing but "the smoking wreckage, the ruins of an age" in their wake.
The song's overall message is one of warning, urging listeners to resist the forces that seek to divide and conquer us. While the lyrics don't offer any specific solutions, they do point to the need for more compassion, understanding, and communication in order to move past our current state of panic.
Line by Line Meaning
A daily inundation of anger and of hate
Every day, we are overwhelmed by an abundance of resentment and loathing.
Rampant disconnection birthed from bloody soil
A culture of division and disunity has grown out of past violence and turmoil.
A language of division permeates the air
We constantly hear speech that divides us and pits us against each other.
Outrage manufactured, tearing at the seams
Our anger is often manufactured and manipulated, threatening to tear apart the fabric of our society.
Panic in the empire
The rulers and those in power are gripped by fear.
Panic in the streets
The people are consumed by terror and anxiety.
Panic where the fear and oblivion meets
Panic arises at the intersection of extreme fear and utter hopelessness.
Violence of suspicion
A violent response to suspicion and doubt.
Violence of the mind
Violence that results from hateful and aggressive thoughts.
Violence of advantage guided by the blind
Aggressive actions taken to gain an advantage, without thought or consideration for the consequences.
Sounding the alarm, fanning all the flames
Those in power are raising the alarm and exacerbating the situation, intentionally causing further unrest.
A creed of paranoia, philosophy of spite
Belief systems founded on suspicion and ill will towards others.
Ratchet up the tension, tighten all the screws
Increasing pressure and stoking anxiety among the populace to maintain control and power.
Let them hang themselves from gallows of their own
Manipulating the situation so that the people turn on each other and create their own downfall.
Hysteria prevails where reason dare not tread
In a state of hysteria and panic, rational thought and discussion is impossible.
Crushed beneath the pressure, shattered into sand
The weight of the situation is too great to bear, causing us to crumble and disintegrate.
Among the smoking wreckage, the ruins of an age
In the aftermath of destruction and chaos, we are left with the remains of a once-great society.
Remnants of a riot no one can recall
All that remains of the violence and unrest are scattered and forgotten fragments.
Contributed by Amelia G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.