Beautiful Occupation
Travis Lyrics


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Don't just stand there watching it happening
I can't stand it
Don't feel it
Something's telling me
Don't want to go out this way
But have a nice day

Then read it in the headlines
Watch it on the TV
Put it in the background
Stick it in the bag
Stick it in the bag

For the beautiful occupation
The beautiful occupation
You don't need an invitation
To drop in upon a nation

I'm too cynical
I'm just sitting here
I'm just wasting my time
Half a million civillians gonna die today
But look the wrong way

Then read it in the headlines
Watch it on the TV
Put it in the background
Stick it in the bag
Stick it in the bag

For the beautiful occupation
The beautiful occupation
You don't need an invitation
To drop in upon a nation

Don't just stand there watching it happening
I can't stand it
Don't feel it
Something telling me
Don't want to go out this way
But have a nice day

Then read it in the headlines
Watch it on the TV
Put it in the background
Stick in the bag
Stick in the bag

For the beautiful occupation
The beautiful occupation
Don't need an invitation
To drop in upon a nation

The beautiful occupation
The beautiful occupation




So much for an intervention
Don't call the united nations

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Travis's song "The Beautiful Occupation" appear to be a commentary on the invasion and occupation of a foreign land by an external force. The lyrics begin with a call to action, urging the listener to not stand by and simply watch things unfold. The phrase "something's telling me" suggests an inner voice that is urging the individual to take action.


The lyrics go on to describe the horrors of war and the human toll it exacts on the civilians who get caught in the crossfire. The lyrics highlight the apathy and indifference of individuals who get absorbed in the distractions of everyday life, like watching news updates on television, reading headlines, or putting the war in the background or in a bag, and how these distractions can cause people to ignore what is happening and not take meaningful action.


The chorus of the song, "The beautiful occupation, you don't need an invitation to drop in upon a nation," highlights the irony of a foreign force being welcomed into a nation not as an invader but as a savior. The sardonic usage of the word "beautiful" highlights the absurdity of such a situation, where a brutal occupation is painted as a benevolent act. The song ends with a call to action, urging individuals to not go out "this way" and to do something about the situation.


Line by Line Meaning

Don't just stand there watching it happening
Don't be a bystander to injustice and violence.


I can't stand it
The situation is unbearable and unacceptable.


Don't feel it
Don't become numb or indifferent to the suffering around you.


Something's telling me
Intuition or conscience is signaling the need for action or change.


Don't want to go out this way
Don't want to die or live in fear and oppression.


But have a nice day
A sarcastic or resigned statement in the face of dire circumstances.


Then read it in the headlines
News reports or media coverage provide distant and detached accounts of events.


Watch it on the TV
Television broadcasts can sanitize or sensationalize the reality of a conflict.


Put it in the background
People can become desensitized or distracted by the constant stream of information and entertainment.


Stick it in the bag
Ignoring or forgetting about the atrocities and injustices happening elsewhere.


For the beautiful occupation
War and imperialism are often justified with noble-sounding rhetoric and propaganda.


You don't need an invitation
Invading or interfering in the affairs of other countries is a violation of sovereignty and human rights.


To drop in upon a nation
Metaphorically, invading a country is like dropping in uninvited and unwelcome.


I'm too cynical
Doubting the sincerity or effectiveness of political or military actions.


I'm just sitting here
Feeling helpless or powerless to change the course of events.


I'm just wasting my time
Feeling futile or unproductive in the face of overwhelming problems.


Half a million civilians gonna die today
Calculating the human cost of war and violence in human lives and suffering.


But look the wrong way
Denying or ignoring the reality of the situation or blaming the victims.


The beautiful occupation
Repeating the refrain to highlight the irony and absurdity of war and occupation.


So much for an intervention
Sarcastic or critical comment on the failure or harm caused by military interventions.


Don't call the united nations
Lack of confidence or trust in international organizations to prevent or resolve conflicts.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: FRANCIS HEALY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@stuartblittley3531

i wish more people knew about Travis. 12 Memories is one of the best albums of all times

@ruxandras278

I believe people know about Travis without knowing it's actually Travis. Much love

@Yusuf-Amir

​@@ruxandras278exactly, my friend just showed me and I swear I've heard the songs, never knew the band tho

@2malachi

It's still all futility. Your ideas about life, the struggle, terrible. Quiet, calm, no change, die, be gone, ideal. Life is NOT and never will be worth much of anything. Just so you know, whoever you are.

@chiffmonkey

12 Memories is a ridiculously underrated album.

@Ponchosllama

Travis and Keane are the greatest bands of our time !

@chrismorris3100

@Joe McKenzie no u

@Wakeupdream

And foo fighters

@chrismorris3100

@@Wakeupdream (_)_)==========D~~~

@FurkanC

dude come on there is a Coldplay reality...

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