Sign Of The Times
Thought Riot Lyrics

Poison free, now living life so pure.
After overcoming a former addiction, the singer now lives a pure life free of harmful substances.

Tell me, have all your addictions been cured?
The singer questions whether the audience has truly overcome their addictions or merely transferred them to a new form.

When you mark your fist, what's going through your mind?
The singer wonders about the motivations and intentions behind the audience's actions and gestures.

Is this your new fix? Ensnared again, confined.
The artist suggests that the audience has simply replaced one addiction with another, leading to continued feelings of entrapment and confinement.

Transference of one addiction to another, you haven't solved a thing.
The artist reiterates the idea that merely switching addictions does not address the root of the problem.

All you've done is change the game you've been playing.
Replacing one addiction with another is merely a different variation of the same harmful cycle.

Different equipment, the rules are the same - the goal remains unscathed.
Despite using different tools or methods, the ultimate goal of seeking acceptance and power remains unchanged.

Just looking for acceptance and the power that it brings.
The artist highlights the common motivators behind addiction and urges the audience to question their own desires for acceptance and power.

Push your self to higher heights - rise above the herd.
The artist encourages the audience to strive for personal growth and to break free from societal pressures and norms.

Straightedge isn't the answer if the decision isn't yours.
The artist acknowledges that abstaining from harmful substances is a personal choice and cannot be dictated solely by outside influences or pressures.

Push your self higher. Think about the life you live.
The audience is prompted to reflect on their own lives and strive for personal betterment rather than relying solely on external validations.

Have your standards been met? Or have you rooted yourself - cemented in and set.
The artist questions whether the audience's values and standards are truly their own or if they are simply following societal expectations and norms.

Projection of your addiction to another; the mind is a powerful tool.
Switching addictions involves a psychological projection of addictive tendencies onto a new object or behavior.

Consume a symbol you've now become addicted to.
The singer points out that even symbols or behaviors associated with sobriety or purity can become addictive and potentially harmful.

Just one of the pack with a pat on the back, marked fist finger in the air.
The singer critiques the idea of conforming to a specific subculture or group identity and receiving validation from other members through superficial gestures or symbols.

Tell me would you, tell me could you, if your friends were not there.
The audience is asked to consider whether their actions or beliefs would stand on their own if they were not receiving support or validation from their peers.

This is my choice; I made it, I live by it.
The artist emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and ownership over one's choices and actions.

My life is my own.
The singer affirms their personal sovereignty and independence from outside influences or pressures.

Are you in control?
The audience is challenged to consider whether their choices and actions are truly their own or if they are being controlled by outside forces or influences.