T.S.T played alot at Bryggis in their hometown Västerås before the first single came (Väktarnas Värld 7”), then followed a numerous of gigs around in Sweden.Then came (No Teenage Future 12”) and T.S.T took part in an live recording for national radio P3’s show Ny Våg (New Wave), it resultet in an Lp which to put it briefly was called (T.S.T Lp).
By this time a new drummer had replaced Karri for the recording of the album t.s.t, then followed another Maxi (Sweden 12”), the band then changed members in a couple of rounds before the last Lp came in 85 (All Throught The Nights Lp), where Karri had come back as drummer. After approximately 2 years T.S.T departed and was reformed to Grim Jacks, to eventually form Dynamite Wasteland by Jarmo. The band has released 2 albums and one single until now.
Suicide
T.S.T. Lyrics
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With your life insurance and pension schemes
Whoah
It's a lonely ride down golden highways
Hope is blind
But shoot for the skyways
Promises - turn to dust
I'm a prisoner in 72nd Street
And it's suicide
I'm a prisoner in 72nd Street
Assembly line living machine
Mass production bought sight unseen
Whoah
Rule and regulation daze
Please the man
Or lose your pay
And you sell your soul to society
And it's suicide
I'm a prisoner of 72nd Street
And it's suicide
I'm a prisoner of 72nd Street
Rise now
No more lies
Deep depression after feeling high
When promises come all undone
All your promises
Turn to dust
And it's suicide
I'm a prisoner of 72nd Street
And it's suicide
I'm a prisoner of 72nd Street
And it's suicide
I'm a prisoner of 72nd Street
And it's suicide
I'm a prisoner of 72nd Street
And it's suicide
I'm a prisoner of 72nd Street
And it's suicide
I'm a prisoner of 72nd Street
The lyrics of T.S.T.'s song "Suicide" deeply dwell on the disillusionment and despair of a protagonist whose American dream has imploded. The first stanza captures this sense of lost opportunity, as the singer bids farewell to the promise of success encapsulated by life insurance and pension schemes. The contrast between the "lonely ride down golden highways" and the bleakness of a hopeless future creates a vivid image of the arduous journey meant to lead to prosperity. The singer has clung too long to a naive hope that blinded them from the harsh reality of the world, but now they have come to the realization that the only way forward is to shoot for the skyways, even if it means risking their life. Promises, however, are just empty words that inevitably turn to dust, a constant reminder that life is fleeting and success is never guaranteed.
The second stanza shifts the focus of the lyrics to critique the dehumanizing effects of modern society on individuals. As the singer becomes entrapped in the "assembly line living machine" of mass production, they become a mere cog in the wheel that blindly follows the rules set by those in power. The pressure to please the man and maintain a steady income is a form of enslavement that robs the singer of their freedom and individuality. The lyrics suggest that society can be just as ruthless as nature, forcing individuals to sell their soul in order to survive. The repetition of the line "I'm a prisoner of 72nd Street" acts as a powerful metaphor for the sense of helplessness that the singer feels when faced with the overwhelming power dynamics that rule their everyday life. The final stanza offers a glimmer of hope as the singer's voice rises to break free from the lies that have trapped them, even if it means facing the deep depression that inevitably follows.
Line by Line Meaning
Goodbye American dream
Farewell to the idealized notion of achieving success through hard work and determination.
With your life insurance and pension schemes
These benefits are part of the American Dream, but they may not be enough to sustain a fulfilling life.
It's a lonely ride down golden highways
Even though society may teach us that wealth will bring happiness, this journey may ultimately lead to loneliness and despair.
Hope is blind
Believing in a better future without acknowledging the current reality is naive.
But shoot for the skyways
Despite the challenges, keep reaching for your goals and aspirations.
Promises - turn to dust
Unfulfilled promises, especially from those in power, can cause disillusionment and hopelessness.
And it's suicide
The sense of entrapment and hopelessness can feel like a form of self-destructive behavior.
I'm a prisoner in 72nd Street
Feeling trapped and confined by societal norms and expectations.
Assembly line living machine
Life can feel like a monotonous routine, with people living like machines on a production line.
Mass production bought sight unseen
We may blindly follow the values and beliefs that society dictates, even if it goes against our own intuition.
Rule and regulation daze
The overwhelming amount of rules and regulations can make it hard to think critically and creatively.
Please the man
Sacrificing personal values in order to please those in power or authority.
Or lose your pay
The fear of losing financial stability may force individuals to comply with societal norms, even if it goes against their personal beliefs.
And you sell your soul to society
Feeling like you have to give up your true self in order to conform to societal standards.
Rise now
It's time to take control and rise up against the oppressive systems in society.
No more lies
Rejecting the false promises and beliefs that have been ingrained in us by society.
Deep depression after feeling high
The plummeting sense of hopelessness that can follow moments of happiness or success.
When promises come all undone
The disappointment and sense of betrayal when promises made by those in positions of authority are not kept.
All your promises
Referring to the broken promises of those in power, such as politicians.
Turn to dust
The empty and meaningless nature of these broken promises.
I'm a prisoner of 72nd Street
Reiterating the feeling of being trapped and confined by societal norms and expectations.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind