Rise To Power
Tom Morello The Nightwatchman Lyrics
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I wrote a hundred letters, no one wrote back
I told a hundred stories, and all of them got twisted
I sang a hundreds songs, nobody listened.
You've got to rise to power
Rise to power
Baby, you've got to rise to power.
You've got to rise to power
Rise to power
Ain't a shade of difference
'tween the hills and the cowards
Baby, you've got to rise to power.
Forced confessions and coming attractions
Delusions of grandeur split into factions
A silent, dark Camelot, a kingdom gray and black
A dull empty heaven
A strong leader's hand.
You've got to rise to power
Rise to power
Baby, you've got to rise to power.
You've got to rise to power
Rise to power
You're down on your knees, pulling up the flowers
Baby, you've got to rise to power.
No holy water can wash me clean
No angel of mercy to hear my screams
Into your embrace, I'm ever driven
And in your arms, unforgiven.
You've got to rise to power
Rise to power
Baby, you've got to rise power
You've got to rise to power
Rise to power
The whole world's watching, there's a gunman in the tower
Baby, you've got to rise to power.
The verses of this song paint a picture of frustration and disillusionment with the lack of response or recognition despite putting in effort. The first verse describes the feeling of being ignored despite making constant attempts to communicate. The second verse touches upon the theme of power and leadership, identifying how a strong leader can bring order even to chaos. The final verse, however, reveals a darker element, discussing how the singer seeks absolution and salvation from an unknown entity, possibly speaking to the yearning for a higher power.
The chorus, "You've got to rise to power," ties this song together by presenting power as the key to succeeding in a world filled with apathy and indifference. The repetition of the phrase emphasizes the urgency of the message, suggesting that one must take action and seize power to achieve any kind of recognition or success. The lyrics also suggest that power is a commodity that can be won by those who relentlessly pursue it.
Overall, "Rise to Power" seems to encourage listeners to take control of their own lives and circumstances, to not be deterred by setbacks, and to persist in their pursuit of power and influence, even when the odds seem against them.
Line by Line Meaning
I counted to one hundred, I kept losing track
I attempted to keep track of my efforts and progress, but lost sight of my goals.
I wrote a hundred letters, no one wrote back
I communicated to others, but received no response or acknowledgement.
I told a hundred stories, and all of them got twisted
I shared my experiences and perspectives, but they were misunderstood or manipulated.
I sang a hundreds songs, nobody listened.
I expressed myself through music, but my voice went unheard and ignored.
You've got to rise to power
It's necessary to attain a position of control and influence.
Ain't a shade of difference 'tween the hills and the cowards
There's no distinction between those who are brave and those who are not.
Forced confessions and coming attractions
People are being coerced into admitting things they didn't do, while other events are being marketed and presented for public consumption.
Delusions of grandeur split into factions
People with inflated egos are becoming divided over their views and aspirations.
A silent, dark Camelot, a kingdom gray and black
There's a hidden, sinister place where corrupt and immoral leaders are in charge.
A dull empty heaven, A strong leader's hand.
Under a seemingly perfect exterior, a strong leader is manipulating and controlling everything.
You're down on your knees, pulling up the flowers
Despite the beauty around you, you're struggling to improve your circumstances and achieve success.
No holy water can wash me clean
There's nothing that can erase the negative impacts of past mistakes and sins.
No angel of mercy to hear my screams
No one is coming to save or help you in your time of need.
Into your embrace, I'm ever driven
Despite the obstacles, you're compelled to pursue your goals and ambitions.
And in your arms, unforgiven.
Even if you achieve success, you'll still face criticism and judgment.
The whole world's watching, there's a gunman in the tower
The world is observing your actions and there's a threatening presence looming over you.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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