One Man Revolution
Tom Morello The Nightwatchman Lyrics
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On the street where I live they called the cops
Found a noose in my garage, now how 'bout that
So tonight I'm in the bushes with a baseball bat
'Cause I'm a one man, I'm a one man
I'm a one man revolution
I'm a one man, I'm a one man
The time is nigh, the day is dark
There's only one solution
I'm a one man, I'm a one man
I'm a one man revolution
On the streets of Havana I got hugged and kissed
At the Playboy Mansion I wasn't on the list
On the streets of Cape Town shit's ready to blow
I don't know how to get there but I'm ready to go
I'm a one man, I'm a one man
I'm a one man revolution
I'm a one man, I'm a one man
I'm a one man revolution
The time is nigh, the day is dark
There's only one solution
'Cause I'm a one man, I'm a one man
I'm a one man revolution
Sacrifice and neon lights, slave ships don't wait
Love many, trust few and don't be late
In my nightmares the streets are aflame
And in my dreams it's much the same
And on the streets of LA they know my name
And if you've come this far, mister, maybe we're one and the same
I'm a one man, I'm a one man
I'm a one man revolution
I'm a one man, I'm a one man
I'm a one man revolution
The time is nigh, the day is dark
There's only one solution
'Cause I'm a one man, I'm a one man
I'm a one man revolution
The lyrics of Tom Morello's The Nightwatchman's "One Man Revolution" depict a narrator who has become disillusioned with society and has decided to take matters into his own hands. The first verse describes a situation in which the singer is being targeted and terrorized, as evidenced by the noose found in his garage. The second verse then takes the listener on a journey across the world, juxtaposing the singer's experiences in various places such as Havana, the Playboy Mansion, and Cape Town. Through these experiences, the singer builds a sense of urgency towards the need for revolution.
The chorus, "I'm a one man revolution," speaks to the singer's determination in taking on this fight alone, despite being up against seemingly insurmountable challenges. The bridge then adds to this sense of urgency, reminding the listener of the historical sacrifices that have been made in order to fight for a better world, as well as the need for vigilance and timeliness. The final verse seems to suggest that others have recognized the singer's dedication to the cause, as people on the streets of LA "know his name."
Overall, "One Man Revolution" is a call to action, with the singer urging listeners to take a stand and fight for a better world, even if they have to do it alone.
Line by Line Meaning
On the streets of New York the cabs don't stop
The city is too busy and indifferent to stop and help those in need.
On the street where I live they called the cops
The authorities are called to deal with situations that do not require their intervention, while real problems are ignored.
Found a noose in my garage, now how 'bout that
Even in his own safe space, the artist is reminded that hatred and bigotry exist.
So tonight I'm in the bushes with a baseball bat
Feeling powerless in the face of oppression, the artist resorts to violent tactics.
'Cause I'm a one man, I'm a one man
I'm a one man revolution
The artist believes that one person can make a difference and change the world.
The time is nigh, the day is dark
There's only one solution
The world is in a dire state and drastic action is needed to save it.
On the streets of Havana I got hugged and kissed
At the Playboy Mansion I wasn't on the list
On the streets of Cape Town shit's ready to blow
I don't know how to get there but I'm ready to go
The artist has experienced different cultures and seen that injustice and inequality exists everywhere. He is willing to take action, even if he doesn't have all the answers.
Sacrifice and neon lights, slave ships don't wait
Love many, trust few and don't be late
The artist urges listeners to wake up and take action before it's too late, and to be cautious and discerning in their relationships.
In my nightmares the streets are aflame
And in my dreams it's much the same
And on the streets of LA they know my name
And if you've come this far, mister, maybe we're one and the same
The artist is haunted by the state of the world, but also knows that he is not alone in his struggle.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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