New World
The Strawbs Lyrics
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The Strawbs' song "New World" portrays a scene of urban poverty, violence, and despair. The opening verses depict a city where blood and dust mingle, and children play games on the streets because they have nothing else. The lyrics suggest that the teachers themselves are in need of learning as the socio-economic conditions they work within demand a unique pedagogy. The chorus is a wish for the deceased to "rot in their grave," reiterated in various forms throughout the song. The second verse implies a corruption of power, where someone hides behind a locked door, planning destruction. The subject may be an authoritarian figure, who shot someone and ignited the cycle of violence and death. Ultimately, "New World" paints a bleak portrait of a society that struggles in the face of poverty, violence, and corrupt leadership.
Line by Line Meaning
There's blood in the dust where the city's heart beats
The city is full of violence and chaos, resulting in blood being spilled on the streets.
The children play games that they take from the streets
Children are exposed to and influenced by the dangerous environment of the streets.
How can you teach when you've so much to learn
People who are consumed by violence cannot teach their children how to live a peaceful life.
May you turn, may you turn, may you turn, may you turn, may you turn, may you turn in your grave New World
May the perpetrators of violence and hate be haunted by the consequences of their actions forever in the new world that is being created.
There's hate in your eyes, I've seen it before
The artist has experience with seeing hatred in the eyes of others, indicating a deep understanding of the issue.
Planning destruction behind the locked door
Some people plot violence secretly, behind closed doors where they cannot be seen.
Were you the coward who fired the last shot
The singer challenges those who commit violent acts to reflect on their actions and face their guilt in order to find peace.
May you rot (6X) in your grave, New World
May those who commit violent acts face the consequences of their actions and find peace in the new world that is being created.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC , Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BJORK GUDMUNDSDOTTIR, LARS VON TRIER, SIRGURJON BIRGIR SIGURDSSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@johnr8872
The last verse seems appropriate in these troubled times:
There is death in the air
With the lights growing dim
As those who survive
Sing a desperate hymn
Pray that God grants you one final request
May you rest
In your grave
New world.
@sergioobaya6147
I used to listen to this back in the 70's really brings back great memories
@xiropigado
Their best song, simple breathtaking
@kerithmccoy3060
The first Strawbs album I ever bought - 1973. A classic!
@toninocimarelli3294
Epici , meravigliosi . Questo capolavoro assoluto , in particolare , ha accompagnato uno dei momenti più belli della mia vita . E' questo il motivo per cui sarò eternamente grato a Dave Cousins e compagni.
@billthompson3272
Brilliant song and ageless. Especially when you realise what the song was about. Brilliant band
@ZEPPELIN0071
An ageless masterpiece.
@mojostephen
I still don't know why this band was never that big in America...
@artemisiostucchi
grande pezzo di livello. mondiale
@JackT13
A hidden gem. Superb from first chord to last
@lastrada52
Band uses a mellotron so effectively despite their folk roots and clear, precise acoustic playing. Drums thud along excellently. Strawbs has always been such a wonderful band -- creative song structures and subjects. Have seen them numerous times and they never disappoint. R&R Hall of Fame has no clue. This band has been together since the late 60's and they still perform and record. Staying power? Someone is buying their music and going to see them. They've even had some classic performers as members: John Hawken (Renaissance, Royal Teens) and Rick Wakeman who started with them and went to Yes, and the marvelous Sandy Denny who went on to Fairport Convention). Let's not forget the incredible lead guitarist Dave Lambert who is quite under-rated.