Swallowing Shit was possibly one of the most extreme musical projects ever … Read Full Bio ↴Swallowing Shit was possibly one of the most extreme musical projects ever to come out of the prairie wasteland known as Winnipeg - unrelenting and hideous, their particular brand of political grindcore remains in a league of its own.

Swallowing Shit's last show occurred June, 1997, at the West End Cultural Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Picketed and stormed by nearly 300 Christians angered by their smash radio hit "Pro-Abortion, Anti-Christ", the show signaled the end of an era in Winnipeg, as the band were subsequently banned from public performance by city council, citing an obscure and hitherto unenforced 103-year old civic ordinance criminalizing challenges to the authority of the Church within city limits.

Many of the ever-changing membership are still active in the Winnipeg music scene. Todd (guitar) plays bass for Propagandhi, Mike (vocals) sings for Putrescence and books shows in Winnipeg, Jahmeel (bass) is now based out of Vancouver and plays bass in numerous projects including the Black Halos and Cory (drums) is currently playing in a black metal project with other former members of Malefaction in Of Human Bondage.

Burn Winnipeg to the Fucking Ground
Swallowing Shit Lyrics

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Taught to fear, told to blame, open your eyes, we're the same. race is an ideology.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Swallowing Shit's song "Burn Winnipeg to the Fucking Ground" are a commentary on the inescapable societal pressures of racism which encourage people to blame others for their problems, rather than taking a look at larger systemic issues. The singer suggests that people are taught to fear others who may look different from themselves, and are told to blame them for causing problems. However, the singer also argues that this is merely an ideology - that is, a constructed belief system - and that when one opens their eyes, they see that we are all fundamentally the same. The song's title is confronted directly, with the suggestion that rather than burning a city to the ground in anger and frustration, people need to look beyond the surface-level symptoms of a problem and work towards systematic change.

The lyrics speak to a larger political and social movement which critiques systemic racism and bias, suggesting that the problems faced in society cannot be met with violence or hatred. Instead, a more empathetic and nuanced approach is required. This is a powerful and poignant message, and one that Swallowing Shit delivers with a sense of urgency and passion.

Line by Line Meaning

Taught to fear, told to blame
We have been educated to feel afraid and point fingers at each other.

Open your eyes, we're the same
If we take a closer look, we'll see that we are all essentially alike.

Race is an ideology
The concept of race is a social construct and not a biological fact.

Contributed by Henry S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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