Australian 4 piece TheCityShakeUp have built their reputation with punk around the edges renegade rock. Born from the bowels of 90’s punk and rock – TCSU write their music collectively drawing on the combined influences and ideals of all four members in the band. This united front is heavily represented on their latest EP “Trigger Happy Slander” – a social commentary on the less chivalrous - Addressing futile hostility, first world problems and everyone’s old friend heart-ache.
With a sound that’s been forged on the road, TCSU bare it all on stage and leave nothing behind. Whether the show is for a crowd of a thousand or simply for a select few the lads make it their mission to ensure everyone leaves as sweaty and thunderstruck as they are. Winning over the crowd at Australias longest running national music festival – The Big Day Out in 2011, Opening for Canada’s finest Billy Talent in 2012 amongst an onslaught of international and local supports (not to mention their own headlining tours). The TCSU lads are no strangers to the stage and life on the road.
The traditional DIY punk ethos is one that is not lost on these lads. TCSU are self managed, self funded, self promoted, hell they even design and print their own shirts. It only takes one look at their completely self shot film clips or a quick listen to any of the releases recorded in their self made studio (they even constructed their own vocal booth) to realize these self sufficient beasts are no chumps.
Pouring every ounce of energy they have into their music and with 2013 set to be their biggest year yet, The City Shakeup show no signs of slowing down as they herald in a new breed of DIY rock renegades.
Zombie
The City Shakeup Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Child is slowly taken.
And the violence caused such silence,
Who are we mistaken?
But you see, it's not me, it's not my family.
In your head, in your head they are fighting,
With their tanks and their bombs,
In your head, in your head, they are crying...
In your head, in your head,
Zombie, zombie, zombie,
What's in your head,
In your head,
Zombie, zombie, zombie?
Another mother's breakin',
Heart is taking over.
When the violence forces silence,
We must be mistaken.
It's the same old theme since nineteen-sixteen.
In your head, in your head they're still fighting,
With their tanks and their bombs,
And their bombs and their guns.
In your head, in your head, they are dying...
In your head, in your head,
Zombie, zombie, zombie,
What's in your head,
In your head,
Zombie, zombie, zombie?
In your head, in your head,
Zombie, zombie, zombie,
What's in your head,
In your head,
Zombie, zombie, zombie?
The City Shakeup's "Zombie" is a haunting commentary on the recurring cycle of violence that has plagued humanity for centuries. The song begins with a sorrowful reflection on the loss of a child to violence and the ensuing silence that it causes. The lyrics then turn to an examination of the causes of this violence, questioning who is truly responsible for the destruction and loss of life. The chorus repeatedly asks, "What's in your head, in your head, zombie, zombie, zombie?" which serves as a metaphor for the destructive thoughts and ideologies that lead to violent conflict.
The second verse continues this theme, highlighting the ongoing nature of the conflict and the toll it takes on those directly affected by it. The lyrics reference the events of 1916, likely a reference to the Easter Rising in Ireland, and suggest that violence has been an all-too-familiar theme throughout history. The chorus is repeated once again, emphasizing the need to confront and overcome the zombie-like mentality that perpetuates violence.
Overall, the song is a powerful indictment of the destructive forces that persist in human society. It encourages listeners to examine their own thoughts and beliefs, and to challenge the violent ideologies that lead to conflict.
Line by Line Meaning
Another head hangs lowly
Another person is killed, their head bows down in death
Child is slowly taken
A child is taken away, likely killed or kidnapped
And the violence caused such silence
Violence has silenced the world, leaving only grief and fear
Who are we mistaken?
Who have we misjudged, thinking that they are not a threat?
But you see, it's not me, it's not my family
The singer and their family are not responsible for the violence and death
In your head, in your head they are fighting
The conflict exists only in our thoughts and perceptions
With their tanks and their bombs, and their bombs and their guns
The weapons of war, used to cause destruction and death
In your head, in your head, they are crying...
People who are affected by conflict and violence are crying, suffering
Zombie, zombie, zombie
The violence and death caused by conflict turns people into zombies- lifeless, emotionless shells
Another mother's breakin', heart is taking over
Another mother is experiencing pain and misery, sadness has taken over her life
When the violence forces silence, we must be mistaken
When violence silences the world, we have made a mistake somewhere
It's the same old theme since nineteen-sixteen
Conflict and violence have been present throughout history, repeating itself
In your head, in your head they're still fighting
Conflict exists only in our minds, it doesn't have to be real
With their tanks and their bombs, and their bombs and their guns
The tools of violence and destruction, leading to death and destruction
In your head, in your head, they are dying...
People are dying in our imaginations, which we should try to stop
Zombie, zombie, zombie
Violence and death can turn people into beings without emotions, a zombie
What's in your head, in your head, zombie, zombie, zombie?
What are we thinking about that causes us to create zombies in our heads?
Contributed by Harper P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ash Aaron
Another head hangs lowly
Child is slowly taken
And the violence caused such silence
Who are we mistaking?
But, you see it's not me
It's not my family
In your head, in your head
They are fighting
With their tanks and their bombs
And their bombs and their guns
In your head in your head they are crying
In your head
In your head
Zombie, zombie, zombie, ei, ei
What's in your head?
In your head
Zombie, zombie, zombie ei, ei, ei, oh do do do do do do do do
Another mother's breaking
Heart is taking over
When the violence causes silence
We must be mistaken
It's the same old thing since 1916
In your head, in your head
They're still fighting
With their tanks and their bombs
And their bombs and their guns
In your head, in your head they are dying
In your head
In your head
Zombie, zombie, zombie, ei, ei
What's in your head?
In your head
Zombie, zombie, zombie ei, ei, ei, oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh ei ei oh
Valeria Barcelli
This is literally the best cover of this song I have ever heard!!! I used to think this song couldn't be covered right, but I am pleased to have been finally proved wrong! :)
Wemerson Lopes martins
É o melhor de todos ❤️🇧🇷
Indecisive Feeder
this band is really underrated, they are a lot better than many bands out there today
Muckilove
I love how the chorus sounds really intense, angry and upset at the things the 'zombie' is thinking about and imagining. Totally in love with this cover ♥__♥
ocru zh95
Wow, this is the first time I've ever heard this band. Very few bands play with this much feeling and emotion.
JAC
Hell..yes.. This is awesome. You guys did a really great job
\m/ (-.-) \m/
Konrad Kita
it's just perfect! and the voice was amazing here! you guys are awesome!
Aleesha Robertson
I've seem them live twice and they are AMAZING!!!
RobRob
This is a probably one of my favorite covers of this song. You guys did a great job on the music and you put so much emotion into the lyrics. Well done.
Dayanara Perez
You all killed it !!! Loved it !!!