Their debut album, The Airing of Grievances, was released on the Troubleman Unlimited record label on April 14, 2008 to many positive reviews. The album's loud, heavily distorted guitars are influenced by shoegaze, while the lyrics and song titles are references to various books and other forms of entertainment (such as the album title, from the Seinfeld episode, "The Strike", about Festivus). The Airing of Grievances was reissued on January 20, 2009 on XL Recordings.
The band's second album, The Monitor, was released on March 9, 2010 through XL Recordings to wide critical acclaim, and was cited as one of the best indie albums of the year.
The band has a sizable list of former members, the latest of which, Amy Klein, left the band on October 24, 2011.
On The Street
Titus Andronicus Lyrics
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The people never know any peace
They're even watching when you're asleep
There's too many police
Too many police on the beat
Beating people with impunity
For no reason anyone can see
There's too many police
Too many police on the street
Too many police on the street, yeah
Too many police
The people never know no peace
There's too many police on the street
And they're all after me
And they're all after me
And they're all after me
Too many police
And there's always someone after me
Yeah
One, two, three, four
The lyrics convey a strong sense of frustration and anger towards the excessive presence of police officers on the streets. The repeated phrase "too many police" emphasizes the overwhelming feeling that law enforcement has become invasive and oppressive. It suggests that this constant surveillance denies the people any form of peace, as they feel constantly watched, even when they are asleep.
The line "beating people with impunity" points to a serious issue of police brutality. It implies that officers are using excessive force without any consequences, causing harm to innocent individuals. The following line "for no reason anyone can see" suggests that the police's actions lack justification or apparent motive, further fueling the frustration towards their presence.
The repetition of "too many police" serves as a chant-like protest against the overwhelming number of law enforcement officers on the streets. It amplifies the discontent and highlights the urgency of addressing this issue. The lyrics imply that this overabundance of police officers contributes to a hostile environment, where individuals constantly feel targeted and oppressed.
The closing lines introduce a personal aspect, as the lyrics shift from the collective "people" to the singular "me." This suggests a feeling of being specifically targeted by the police, possibly due to the artist's personal experiences or broader social injustices. The repetition of "And they're all after me" intensifies the paranoia and fear that comes with being constantly pursued or watched by law enforcement. The counting sequence "one, two, three, four" at the end of the lyrics could symbolize the continuous cycle of police harassment and the feeling of being trapped in this oppressive system.
Line by Line Meaning
There's too many police on the street
The presence of a large number of police officers in the streets is excessive and overwhelming, causing a sense of discomfort and unease within the community.
The people never know any peace
The constant presence and surveillance by the police prevent the ordinary citizens from experiencing a state of calm, tranquility, and security in their daily lives.
They're even watching when you're asleep
The police's constant vigilance extends to monitoring individuals even during their most vulnerable moments, such as when they are asleep, intensifying the feeling of being constantly observed.
Too many police
The repeated assertion that there is an excess of law enforcement authorities, emphasizing the negative impact it has on society.
Too many police on the beat
There is an excessive number of police officers patrolling the streets, constantly engaging with the community, but often using their power and authority irresponsibly.
Beating people with impunity
The police officers resort to physical violence against individuals without fear of facing consequences or being held accountable for their actions.
For no reason anyone can see
The acts of violence perpetrated by the police seem to be unjustified and lacking any apparent rationale, causing frustration and confusion among the public.
And they're all after me
The artist feels specifically targeted and pursued by the authorities, reflecting a sense of paranoia and constant threat.
And there's always someone after me
The feeling of being pursued and chased by unidentified individuals or forces is an ongoing occurrence in the artist's life, generating a perpetual state of fear and vulnerability.
One, two, three, four
A simple counting pattern that potentially symbolizes the relentless and inescapable nature of the perceived threat, as if being chased in a never-ending cycle.
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING
Written by: Patrick Joseph Stickles
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind