The Legendary Pink Dots are a Netherlands-based band formed in August 1980 … Read Full Bio ↴The Legendary Pink Dots are a Netherlands-based band formed in August 1980 in the UK who, although distinctly underground, have been musically influential over the years. The band name was derived from pink dots of nail varnish on the piano in their squat, where founding members Edward and April lived. The band has as its focal point vocalist Edward Ka-Spel, who is, along with Phil "The Silverman" Knight, one of the original remaining members of the band. In the mid eighties the band resettled in the Netherlands, where they still reside today. Apart from Edward and Phil, the line-up has gone through many changes. Members such as Ryan Moore, a Canadian bass player, who joined in 1991 after the recordings of the Last Man to Fly with the Tear Garden (he joined as a session musician), went on to form their own labels and musical projects. See Twilight Circus and M Records. Their music is nothing if not original and it is difficult to categorise, but comparisons may be drawn with bands like Pink Floyd and Can.

Their sound has been described as an amalgamation of psychedelic rock, industrial, synth-pop and avant-garde. They have released over 40 records and continuously tour the world.

Members of the band have also collaborated with Nurse With Wound, The Dresden Dolls, Jarboe, HNAS, Jim O'Rourke, Skinny Puppy's cEvin Key, forming The Tear Garden. Ka Spel accompanied Skinny Puppy for a small part of their 1988 European 'Head Trauma' tour in Sweden. Key also appears on the 1994 album 9 Lives to Wonder.

Black Zone
The Legendary Pink Dots Lyrics

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They ripped up all the grass and they cut down all the trees,
built a fence - little sign says 'Keep away, if you please...'
And it was difficult to argue with the trenches and the guns.
50,000 volts, the wires buzzing - touch it and you're D.O.A.
(d.c.) Deceased! Your secret's safe with us.
The trucks roll in at midnight - skull and crossbones on the headlights.
They carry poison, carry fission for the Black Zone...
Hear the test-tubes bubble with disease for enemies (I hope there's not a breeze!)

And the villigers line up outside with placards, sing 'Abide with me'.
The guards just laugh - smoke rises in the distance...

Because the Black Zone's here to stay and it's here to protect us,
'til that black and bitter day when test-tube spills and blows us all away.

Overall Meaning

The Legendary Pink Dots's song Black Zone is a commentary on the encroachment of industrialization and the reckless endangerment of human lives and the environment. The lyrics describe the destruction of nature, as evidenced in the clearing of trees and grass, and the construction of a fence around the area, which is marked with a sign that reads "Keep away, if you please." The trenches and guns make it difficult for anyone to challenge the actions of the authorities. The fence is electrified with 50,000 volts of electricity, and the wires buzz with danger. The reference to "D.O.A. (d.c.) Deceased!" implies a warning against anyone who tries to cross the fence.

The trucks roll in at midnight with skull and crossbones painted on the headlights, carrying poison and fission materials for the Black Zone. The test-tubes bubble with disease, creating a dangerous situation for anyone who might be caught outside. The villagers plead for their safety outside the zone, symbolized by their placards, and sing hymns like "Abide with me." However, the guards just laugh as they witness the smoke rising in the distance. The Black Zone is seen as the only protection against the looming threat of nuclear disaster. The lyrics imply that this is a desperate measure, the only option to save humanity from itself.

In conclusion, The Legendary Pink Dots's song Black Zone is a bleak commentary on the impact of industrialization, nuclear warfare, and human hubris on the environment and society. The encroachment of industrialization, the reckless endangerment of human lives and the environment, and the desperate measures taken to protect humanity from the looming threat of nuclear disaster are all highlighted in the song.

Line by Line Meaning

They ripped up all the grass and they cut down all the trees,
The environment was destroyed, every tree was cut, and grass was ripped apart.

built a fence - little sign says 'Keep away, if you please...'
A fence was built and a sign was hung, warning to keep away from the area.

And it was difficult to argue with the trenches and the guns.
It was impossible to argue with the weapons and the fortification.

50,000 volts, the wires buzzing - touch it and you're D.O.A. (d.c.) Deceased!
50,000-volt electric wires are set up as an effective deterrent to entry, touching them ends in death.

Your secret's safe with us.
Anyone trying to access the Black Zone with malicious intentions will meet a deadly end.

The trucks roll in at midnight - skull and crossbones on the headlights.
Trucks carrying hazardous and potentially deadly materials arrive at midnight, marked by skull and crossbone symbols on the headlights.

They carry poison, carry fission for the Black Zone...
The trucks are carrying poisonous and radioactive materials for use in the Black Zone.

Hear the test-tubes bubble with disease for enemies (I hope there's not a breeze!)
The sound of bubbling test tubes filled with deadly diseases can be heard and cautiousness is advised due to the potential risk such as wind that can scatter the viruses.

And the villagers line up outside with placards, sing 'Abide with me'.
People living near the Black Zone are protesting with signs and singing religious songs such as Abide with me.

The guards just laugh - smoke rises in the distance...
The guards responsible for maintaining the Black Zone's safety are amused by the people protesting and smoke can be seen rising in the distance, meaning that something potentially terrifying is happening.

Because the Black Zone's here to stay and it's here to protect us,
The Black Zone is planned to be active and useful for protection measures in the future as well.

'til that black and bitter day when test-tube spills and blows us all away.
Until the moment when something goes terribly wrong, and a hazardous material is accidentally released, posing a threat to the surrounding environment and people.

Contributed by Eva T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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