Krikorian is a singer/songwriter, whose songs have been recorded by Charlie Sexton, Bette Midler, Peter Case, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Vanessa Williams, Bonnie Raitt and others. He is most commonly regarded as a Christian artist, and has released several albums of Christian songs starting with Romeo Unchained (1986); prior to that, he was decidedly a secular artist.
Krikorian and Alan Shapazian (rhythm guitar) formed a band called The Raik's Progress which recorded one single for Liberty Records, released in 1967. In 1973, he appeared as a member of the former Buddy Holly backing band the Crickets on their album "Remnants".
By 1978, Krikorian went solo, adopting the name of Tonio K, possibly a reference to the Thomas Mann novel Tonio Kröger, with Life In The Foodchain.
Krikorian is featured as lead vocalist on the song "Don't Fade Away." from the Crickets & Their Buddies album, released in the summer of 2004.
Sons of the Revolution
Tonio K. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You just got out of school
You've got twenty years of knowledge
That you finally get to use
Yes you've got your valiant motives
And you think you've got the tools
But you'd better watch the shadows
'cause they're all watching you
And figure your next move
You've come here to heal the sick
Well good for you
But you'd better first go home
And learn the rules
It's a game alright they're playin'
But it ain't like on tv
Nobody shakes hands when it's over
And there ain't no referee
And the stands are full of broken men
And the field's grown up in weeds
And the winners get your children
Yeh they do just what they please
And they'll cut you for no reason
'cept they want to watch you bleed
So forget everything you've heard or read or seen
It's a game alright they're playin'
But they're playin' it for keeps
Sons of the revolution
You're here to save the day
But it ain't none of you business
And you're only in the way
Sons of the revolution
Better get out while you can
'cause there's no one here that wants a helping hand
Once upon a time they told you
Love makes the world go 'round
Now that's getting hard to buy
As you stare across the wasteland
And you watch the planet die
You once heard that everybody's equal
But you're learning that too is a lie
There's a couple thousand people
That own it all, got all the rights
And it's greed that makes the world go 'round
And it's bound to start a fire
And yes there's three billion sleeping people gonna burn
And you think by now they would have got the word
Sons of the revolution
You're here to save the day
But it ain't none of you business
And you're only in the way
Sons of the revolution
Better get out while you can
'cause there's no one here that wants a helping hand
The song "Sons of the Revolution" by Tonio K. is a commentary on the disillusionment and disappointment that can come with being a young, idealistic activist. The song addresses a person who has just left school and is eager to change the world with their newly acquired knowledge and tools. However, the song warns that these young activists are in for a rude awakening, as the game they're playing is not like what they see on television. The song suggests that there are no winners in the game--only broken, wounded people. The winners of the game enjoy unlimited freedom to do whatever they want, including cutting down those who try to challenge their power.
The song's chorus, "Sons of the revolution, you're here to save the day, but it ain't none of your business, and you're only in the way" highlights the gap between the idealistic vision of change and the harsh reality of the world. The song tells young activists that their ideals are insignificant in a world controlled by a small group of people who hold all the material wealth and power.
In conclusion, the song "Sons of the Revolution" serves as a cautionary tale for young, idealistic activists who are just starting on their journey. It reminds them that their fight is long and arduous, and that success is never guaranteed.
Line by Line Meaning
You're such a brilliant young crusader
You're smart and enthusiastic
You just got out of school
You have a fresh, new perspective
You've got twenty years of knowledge That you finally get to use
You've been waiting a long time to put your education into practice
Yes you've got your valiant motives And you think you've got the tools
You have good intentions and believe you have what it takes to do good
But you'd better watch the shadows 'cause they're all watching you
Be cautious because people are watching your every move
You'd better duck behind a wall of stone And figure your next move
Protect yourself and plan carefully
You've come here to heal the sick Well good for you But you'd better first go home And learn the rules
Your intentions are good, but you need to understand the system first
It's a game alright they're playin' But it ain't like on tv Nobody shakes hands when it's over And there ain't no referee And the stands are full of broken men And the field's grown up in weeds And the winners get your children Yeh they do just what they please And they'll cut you for no reason 'cept they want to watch you bleed So forget everything you've heard or read or seen It's a game alright they're playin' But they're playin' it for keeps
Politics is a ruthless game where people play to win at any cost. There are no fair play or referees. The winners have all the power and they will do anything they choose to keep it. So, don't trust anything you see, read, or hear - it's cutthroat politics.
Sons of the revolution You're here to save the day But it ain't none of you business And you're only in the way Sons of the revolution Better get out while you can 'cause there's no one here that wants a helping hand
Those who want to change the system are considered outsiders and most people don't want their help. They should be careful, or they might get hurt.
Once upon a time they told you Love makes the world go 'round Now that's getting hard to buy As you stare across the wasteland And you watch the planet die You once heard that everybody's equal But you're learning that too is a lie There's a couple thousand people That own it all, got all the rights And it's greed that makes the world go 'round And it's bound to start a fire And yes there's three billion sleeping people gonna burn And you think by now they would have got the word
You thought love and equality would be enough to sustain the world, but now it seems that greed and corruption rule everything. The few who are in control are driving the world to destruction, but nobody is doing anything to stop it.
Contributed by Sydney W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.