THERAPY? is an alternative rock/punk rock band from Northern Ireland. The b… Read Full Bio ↴THERAPY? is an alternative rock/punk rock band from Northern Ireland. The band was formed in 1989 by guitarist/vocalist Andy Cairns and drummer Fyfe Ewing. The band initially recorded their first demo with Andy filling in on bass guitar. To complete the line-up, the band recruited bassist Michael McKeegan.
With keen pop sensibilities, a skewed sense of humour and a willingness to draw inspiration from diverse sources (notably punk rock), Therapy? came to attention in the early 1990s rise of alternative rock, but have endured for more than a decade since; Critic Johnny Loftus writes, "After a ten-plus year career that has seen them outlast competitors and outwit industry attempts at categorization, Therapy? are still headbangers with their thinking caps screwed on tight."

Current line-up :
Andy Cairns (guitar, vocals) (1989 - )
Michael McKeegan (bass guitar, backing vocals) (1989 - )
Neil Cooper (drums) (2003 - )

Past members:
Fyfe Ewing (drums) (1989 - 1996)
Martin McCarrick (cello, guitar, backing vocals) (1996 - 2004)
Graham Hopkins (drums) (1996 - 2001)

Discography:
-Hard Cold Fire (2023)
-Cleave (2018)
-Disquiet (2015)
-A Brief Crack of Light (2012)
-Crooked Timber (2009)
-One Cure Fits All (2006)
-Never Apologise Never Explain (2004)
-High Anxiety (2003)
-Shameless (2001)
-So Much For The Ten Year Plan - A Retrospective 1990-2000 (2000)
-Suicide Pact - You First (1999)
-Semi-Detached (1998)
-Infernal Love (1995)
-Troublegum (1994)
-Face the Strange E.P. (1993)
-Shortsharpshock E.P. (1993)
-Nurse (1992)
-Pleasure Death (1992)
-Babyteeth (1991)

Northern Ireland, 1989.

Fear of God
Therapy? Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Soldiers with nothing to kill but time
Peace is boring
The disillusioned and the dispossessed
All want in on the action

You got the fear of
You got the fear of
You got the fear of god

In the shadow of white feathers
Are you afraid?
Are you alone?
Does the thought of dying
Make you freak out?

Yeah

History is demoting you
To a lost cause
Muscle-bound and impotent
You watch the poor drown

You got the fear of
You got the fear of
You got the fear of
You got the fear of god

You got the fear of
You got the fear of
You got the fear of
You got the fear of

You got the fear of god

Overall Meaning

The song "Fear of God" by Therapy? is a powerful commentary on the effects of war and violence on both soldiers and civilians. The opening lines "Soldiers with nothing to kill but time, peace is boring" set the tone for the rest of the song. The idea that soldiers need conflict to feel fulfilled is a disturbing one, and suggests that there is something inherently violent and destructive about human nature. The lines "The disillusioned and the dispossessed, all want in on the action" speak to the idea that war is not only fought by soldiers, but also by those who have been marginalized and oppressed.

The chorus of the song, which repeats the phrase "You got the fear of god" over and over again, is particularly haunting. The use of the word "god" suggests a divine judgement or punishment, which creates a sense of fear and dread. The second half of the song shifts the focus to the civilian experience of war, with lines such as "Muscle-bound and impotent, you watch the poor drown" and "Are you alone? Does the thought of dying make you freak out?" These lyrics highlight the sense of helplessness and despair that can accompany living in a war zone.

Line by Line Meaning

Soldiers with nothing to kill but time
Soldiers who do not have any current conflict and are idle.

Peace is boring
Absence of war and confrontation is unexciting.

The disillusioned and the dispossessed
People who have lost faith and possessions.

All want in on the action
Everyone desires to be involved in something exciting.

You got the fear of
You possess an intense fear of.

In the shadow of white feathers
In the presence of purity and innocence.

Are you afraid?
Do you feel scared?

Are you alone?
Do you feel isolated?

Does the thought of dying
The prospect of passing away.

Make you freak out?
Does it cause you to panic?

History is demoting you
The past is downgrading your status and achievements.