California's Dark
Tom Morello The Nightwatchman Lyrics
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And it started in sheds
It started in backyards
And was hidden under beds
I turned on the TV
Don't believe a word they say
We can't stay here now, love
There's a riot on Sunset
And fires burn in the park
The sun has set, my friend
And California's dark
And over the screaming
I heard a clear voice
I looked at my choices
Yeah, and I made a choice
Smoke and ashes
Tonight hide the stars
The stop lights are red now, love
We come for what's ours
There's a riot on Sunset
And fires burn in the park
The sun has set my friend
And California's dark
Come stand among the rattlesnakes
At the side of the desert road
And close your eyes and listen
To the music hard and cold
Tonight the moon is blackened
Tonight the doors are shut
Behind the shuttered windows
We pray that the sun will come up
For something walks across these fields
For which there is no name
Now, you might have heard different, sonny
But I was there when it came
It will start with a spark
And a great fire will grow
Don't know how I know it, man
Yeah, but I just know
There's a riot on Sunset
And fires burn in the park
The sun sets everywhere
And the whole damn country's dark, yeah
Now, there's a riot on Sunset
And fires burnin' in the park
The sun has set my friend
And California's dark
The lyrics to Tom Morello The Nightwatchman's song California's Dark depict a state of chaos and destruction in California. The song appears to be a commentary on the current state of the nation, particularly in terms of social, political, and environmental issues. The lines "It started in basements and it started in sheds, it started in backyards and was hidden under beds" suggest that the problems have been brewing for a while, and are only now starting to come to the surface. The singer urges the listener to be skeptical of the information presented on television, and to take action to protect themselves and their loved ones.
The mood of the song is very dark and foreboding, with references to riots, fires, and a general atmosphere of panic and unrest. The singer seems to be intimately familiar with the situation, and is positioning themselves as a trusted guide for the listener. The lyrics "Smoke and ashes tonight hide the stars, the stop lights are red now love we come for what's ours" suggest that the singer is part of a group that is taking action to fight back against the forces of destruction.
Overall, California's Dark is a powerful song that speaks to the many challenges facing the United States today. It is a call to action for citizens to take a stand and fight for what they believe in.
Line by Line Meaning
It started in basements
The movement began in clandestine meeting places
And it started in sheds
People began gathering in unassuming, makeshift spaces
It started in backyards
The seeds of social unrest were planted in people's homes
And was hidden under beds
The revolutionary ideas were kept secret, even from loved ones
I turned on the TV
I sought information from mainstream news sources
Don't believe a word they say
The media is lying to us
We can't stay here now, love
It's not safe to remain in this place
And we can't get away
There's no escape
There's a riot on Sunset
Protests have turned violent in a prominent location
And fires burn in the park
Property destruction is widespread
The sun has set, my friend
The current state of affairs is bleak
And California's dark
The future is uncertain
And over the screaming
Amid the chaos and noise
I heard a clear voice
Someone spoke with clarity and purpose
I looked at my choices
I evaluated my options
Yeah, and I made a choice
I decided on a course of action
Smoke and ashes
The aftermath of destruction
Tonight hide the stars
The world is obscured by darkness
The stop lights are red now, love
The usual rules no longer apply
We come for what's ours
We demand what we're entitled to
Come stand among the rattlesnakes
Put yourself in danger
At the side of the desert road
In a desolate place
And close your eyes and listen
Pay attention to what's happening around you
To the music hard and cold
The sound of what's to come is harsh and unyielding
Tonight the moon is blackened
Evil is at work
Tonight the doors are shut
The danger has arrived
Behind the shuttered windows
People are hiding
We pray that the sun will come up
We hope for a new day
For something walks across these fields
A mysterious, ominous presence is moving through our land
For which there is no name
We don't yet understand what it is
Now, you might have heard different, sonny
Don't believe everything you're told
But I was there when it came
I witnessed the arrival of this force
It will start with a spark
Revolutionary change begins with a single act
And a great fire will grow
It will spread and become unstoppable
Don't know how I know it, man
I can't explain it, but I feel it
Yeah, but I just know
There's no denying it
The whole damn country's dark, yeah
This isn't just a regional issue; it affects us all
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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