Muffled By Concrete
The Honor System Lyrics
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Well I'm still breaking
But I realize my skin's not bulletproof either
Mazes in the cornfields died
And on their grave a new hotel lies
Only crumbling dirt and crumbling lives survive
That tune you're humming never sounded so bleak to me
Â??I broke my back, son, sold my timeâ??
Fingers shredded even more than your spirit
They'll break you in and work you down
Until you pledge allegiance
To a system that brings you up just to knock you down
Â??I'd like to see you turn this world upside downâ??
Screaming voice of reason
Muffled by concrete
Beauty covered with parking lots
Seems these yellow lines are all we've got
Born as free men
Tied hands
Eyes left bleeding
Goddamn
The one's who've seen it
Blinded
Here's to those one's who die trying
The lyrics to The Honor System's song Muffled By Concrete seem to reflect feelings of brokenness, vulnerability and disillusionment in a world that is becoming increasingly dominated by the concrete structures of modernity. The opening lines suggest a conversation where one person admits to being broken and the other acknowledges that they too are still breaking. The use of the metaphor of skin not being bulletproof suggests a recognition of the fragility of the human condition in a harsh and unforgiving world.
The second verse focuses on the relationship between father and son, where the father seems to have sacrificed his physical and emotional wellbeing in order to make a living. The reference to pledging allegiance to a system that eventually brings you down suggests a sense of betrayal and disappointment in the capitalist system that promises success and prosperity but often fails to deliver. The mention of turning the world upside down suggests a desire for radical change, perhaps even a revolution.
The chorus seems to bemoan the way in which the beauty of the natural world is being destroyed by industrialisation and urbanisation. The image of the screaming voice of reason being muffled by concrete suggests a sense of frustration and powerlessness in the face of such overwhelming forces.
Overall, the lyrics seem to express a sense of disillusionment with the world as it currently exists, a longing for a more authentic and meaningful way of living, and a desire to resist the dehumanising effects of modernity.
Line by Line Meaning
One night I think you said to me that we're broken
You once told me that we're no longer whole.
Well I'm still breaking
I am continually falling apart.
But I realize my skin's not bulletproof either
I recognize my own vulnerability.
Mazes in the cornfields died
The cornfield puzzles are no longer there.
And on their grave a new hotel lies
And on top of them a hotel has been erected.
Only crumbling dirt and crumbling lives survive
Only soil and people are left disintegrating.
That tune you're humming never sounded so bleak to me
The song you are humming now sounds sad to me.
Father, have you done right?
Father, were your choices for the greater good?
â??I broke my back, son, sold my timeâ??
I worked hard every day of my life.
Fingers shredded even more than your spirit
My fingers roughened from manual labor more than my heart from difficulties.
They'll break you in and work you down
They will break your resolve and coerce you to conform.
Until you pledge allegiance
Until you vow your devotion.
To a system that brings you up just to knock you down
To a treacherous system that causes your downfall despite prior success.
â??I'd like to see you turn this world upside downâ??
I want to see you make a substantial change.
Screaming voice of reason
Reason yelling loudly.
Muffled by concrete
Muted by the hard material.
Beauty covered with parking lots
Stunning landscapes now occupied by car spaces.
Seems these yellow lines are all we've got
Yellow lines being the only notable things left.
Born as free men
Born to live without restraint.
Tied hands
Restrained from acting.
Eyes left bleeding
Eyes still hurt.
Goddamn
Exclamation of dismay.
The one's who've seen it
Those who know the truth.
Blinded
Unable to see.
Here's to those one's who die trying
Here's to those who fight until the very end.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ayobmedz
Hey it's my pleasure! this whole record is one of my absolute favorites. it's crazy how overlooked this band is, I guess because a lot of the members' other "projects" and their associated acts were much more successful. But to me, this will always be the greatest release to come out of that whole little scene
J K
such a brilliant song. I particularly love the guitar on the pre-chorus. it's probably my favourite on this album - great lyrics as always from Dan Hanaway.
ayobmedz
couldn't agree more man, amazing song, amazing album, hugely underrated band. once I saw that this song wasn't up on youtube I had to upload it, more people need to hear this. take care
BootlickerCemetery
Thanks for uploading. This band is important.
ayobmedz
Not exactly what you're looking for buuut I uploaded the full Single File album on here a couple days ago. I'll put a link in the description here, or just look at my other uploads. Hopefully it's still there when you see this! That record is way too good to go unheard by so many people, enjoy