Dutch Disease
The Ex Lyrics
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Peaceful demonstrators
Powerplant-blockage?
They just sit and wait
Dragged away by cops
Nearly no resistance
There's only their flowers
In the barbed wire
Authorities are very pleased
They call it 'a fair game'
That have never been the aim
Dutch no-nukes actions
Make only one thing clear
Dutch disease or cancer?
Authorities won't answer
The dutch disease won't be cured
It spreads its germs around
The nuclear lobby's lying
Maybe that's why bricks are flying
Don't fall asleep at the gate of your
Local nuclear powerplant
You'll wake up with the pacifists
In a concentration camp
The Ex's song "Dutch Disease" addresses the controversial Dutch no-nukes movement in the 1980s. The song begins by mentioning peaceful demonstrators who are attempting to block a power plant. Despite the nonviolent nature of their protest, they are still forcibly removed by the authorities. The only trace they leave behind are their flowers caught in the barbed wire. The song then questions whether the authorities are truly playing a "fair game," as they claim, when they resort to such aggressive tactics.
The term "Dutch disease" in the title of the song refers to the potential impact of nuclear energy on the Netherlands, as nuclear accidents could have a devastating effect on a densely populated and relatively small country. The song suggests that the authorities are silent on the matter, and that their actions may be benefiting the nuclear lobby. The song also highlights the risks of falling asleep and allowing oppressive and dangerous systems to operate unchallenged. The final line, "You'll wake up with the pacifists in a concentration camp," underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for vigilance and resilience in the face of powerful institutions.
Line by Line Meaning
Dutch no-nukes movement
There is a movement against nuclear energy in the Netherlands
Peaceful demonstrators
People are protesting in a peaceful manner
Powerplant-blockage?
Are they blocking access to the power plant?
They just sit and wait
Protesters are waiting for authorities to respond
Dragged away by cops
Police officers forcibly remove protesters
Nearly no resistance
The protesters offer little or no resistance to the police
There's only their flowers
The only thing left behind by the protesters are flowers
In the barbed wire
The flowers are caught in the barbed wire surrounding the power plant
Resistance in love and peace
The protesters resist in a non-violent way
Authorities are very pleased
The authorities are happy the protesters did not resist violently
They call it 'a fair game'
The authorities consider their actions fair
That have never been the aim
The protesters did not intend to play a game
Dutch no-nukes actions
The actions against nuclear energy in the Netherlands
Make only one thing clear
The actions have a clear message
Dutch disease or cancer?
Is the movement against nuclear energy a disease or cancer?
Authorities won't answer
The authorities refuse to answer the question
The dutch disease won't be cured
The movement against nuclear energy will not be stopped
It spreads its germs around
The movement gains more supporters
The nuclear lobby's lying
The companies promoting nuclear energy are not telling the truth
Maybe that's why bricks are flying
Protesters are throwing bricks as a form of resistance
Don't fall asleep at the gate of your
Do not be complacent about the dangers of nuclear energy
Local nuclear powerplant
The power plant near your town
You'll wake up with the pacifists
You will be grouped with the non-violent protesters
In a concentration camp
You may be detained in a camp for protesters
Lyrics ยฉ O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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