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.

Green Gang
The Legendary Pink Dots Lyrics

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Drowning in dog stew and strangled in vine. Blister wine
Burns the inside . . . (They flew in a line over poppy fields.
They'd drop and they'd blast their supply. On demand!
They persist. They pervert. They command: "RED alert."
And green burns to yellow, to orange, to dirt covered
Baby bones in powder piles. Mile after mile. And a
Line costs a dime. A slaughter's a quarter. Yes, the
Green God's immortal, whispers "Peace in our time." RED alert!

Here come the Green Gang . . . .

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Green Gang" by The Legendary Pink Dots are an abrasive depiction of the horrors of war and the atrocities committed by those in power. The opening line, "Drowning in dog stew and strangled in vine. Blister wine / Burns the inside," is a representation of the desperation and chaos of war. The following lines describe the actions of those in power, who drop bombs over poppy fields, destroying the landscape and the people living within it. The repetition of the phrase "RED alert" emphasizes the violent and militant nature of those in power. The destruction caused by war is further illustrated through the imagery of green burning to yellow, orange, and eventually dirt, covering the remains of innocent victims. The line "Baby bones in powder piles. Mile after mile" is particularly haunting, painting a vivid picture of destruction and loss.

The last lines of the song seem to suggest that those in power are immortal and will always be in control. The "Green God whispers 'Peace in our time'" suggests a false sense of peace that is obtained through violent means. The repetition of "RED alert" and "Here come the Green Gang" reinforces the idea that those in power will continue to inflict violence and destruction.

Overall, "Green Gang" is a bleak and powerful commentary on the horrors of war and the brutality of those in power. It is a haunting reminder of the consequences of violence and aggression.

Line by Line Meaning

Drowning in dog stew and strangled in vine. Blister wine
The situation is dire, with no hope for escape. The wine they have is cheap and unpalatable, causing more harm than good.

Burns the inside . . .
The wine is so harsh and acidic that it burns the throat and stomach upon consumption.

(They flew in a line over poppy fields.
A group of individuals flew by in an organized fashion over a field of poppies.

They'd drop and they'd blast their supply. On demand!
These individuals were dropping and delivering drugs as needed without hesitation.

They persist. They pervert. They command: "RED alert."
The group is persistent, manipulative, and controlling. They demand that others be on high alert for their presence.

And green burns to yellow, to orange, to dirt covered
The once lush green surroundings are now deteriorating and dying, becoming increasingly covered in dirt and debris.

Baby bones in powder piles. Mile after mile. And a
The area is now filled with the bones of infants, piled up in a powdery mess for miles upon miles.

Line costs a dime. A slaughter's a quarter. Yes, the
The drug line costs very little to purchase, while violence and death come at a much higher price.

Green God's immortal, whispers "Peace in our time." RED alert!
Despite what's happening around them, the group continues to worship their leader as a god and believe in the possibility of peace. They also remain on high alert for any potential threats.

Here come the Green Gang . . .
The Green Gang is approaching, and with them comes chaos and destruction.

Contributed by Thomas I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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