21st Century Schizoid Man
Voivod/Voïvod Lyrics
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Neuro-surgeons scream for more
At paranoia's poison door
Twenty first schizoid man.
Blood rack barbed wire
Politicians' funeral pyre
Innocents raped with napalm fire
Death seed blind man's greed
Poets' starving children bleed
Nothing he's got he really needs
Twenty first schizoid man.
The lyrics of Voivod's song 21st Century Schizoid Man depicts a detached and altered reality of the contemporary world through the lens of a schizoid man. The opening lyrics, "Cat's foot iron claw, Neuro-surgeons scream for more," talk about the oppressive nature of society and the medical system that feeds on the vulnerabilities and sicknesses of individuals. The mention of "paranoia's poison door" highlights the fear and anxiety that have seeped into people's consciousness due to the external factors of societal norms and other external pressures.
The second verse paints a picture of a dystopian world where the "blood rack barbed wire" and "politicians' funeral pyre" symbolize the violence and corrupt political system. The "innocents raped with napalm fire" talks about the destruction and devastation that ensues in wars, and it is a direct critique of the prevalent neocolonial forces. The chorus mentions again how the singer is the "twenty first century schizoid man," where the numbness and detachment from the society have reached a peak to cope with the overwhelming pressures of the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Cat's foot iron claw
The powerful and oppressive hand of society represented by the metaphorical image of a cat's claw made out of iron.
Neuro-surgeons scream for more
The search for knowledge has become an uncontrollable frenzy, represented by the unquenchable thirst of modern-day neurosurgeons.
At paranoia's poison door
The advent of technology and modern-day society has given birth to a new form of paranoia which is always present and lurking behind every corner, poisoning the minds of people.
Twenty first schizoid man.
The song encapsulates the very nature of the modern-day schizophrenic man and the complexities and contradictions that define him.
Blood rack barbed wire
The cruel and harsh methods employed by those in power to maintain their position, represented by the brutal image of blood-soaked racks and barbed wires.
Politicians' funeral pyre
The political arena has become a corrupt and cut-throat place where the innocent are often sacrificed, symbolized by the idea of a funeral pyre for politicians.
Innocents raped with napalm fire
The horrors of war and the brutality of human conflict are represented by the image of innocent people being raped and burned alive with napalm fire.
Twenty first century schizoid man.
The complexities of modernity have given birth to a new kind of individual, one who is struggling to find meaning and purpose in a rapidly changing world.
Death seed blind man's greed
The destructive power of greed and ambition, represented by the metaphorical image of a seed of death sown by a blind man.
Poets' starving children bleed
The painful reality of poverty and the plight of the poor are given voice through the bloodied image of poets' starving children.
Nothing he's got he really needs
Despite society's insistence on the accumulation of things and material possessions, the true necessities of life remain elusive and unattainable.
Twenty first schizoid man.
The song continues to describe the difficulties and complications faced by contemporary man as he struggles to navigate the tumultuous and complex nature of modern society.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GREG LAKE, IAN MCDONALD, MICHAEL REX GILES, PETER JOHN SINFIELD, ROBERT FRIPP
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Joseph Silver
I have no idea what the vitriol over this cover is about. Most of the more known bands that have tried to cover either didn't attempt to even do the whole song or tried their own spin which usually was far worse. This is one of the most faithful renditions outside of King Crimson I've heard, a very good one and for a band like Voivod to show that kind of respect speaks volumes of their respect for King Crimson. Play a better cover that isn't just a copy of the original. Just one.
Alex Schuster
Phobos got me into Voivod and Crimson. Underrated period for this band.
Nate Linehan
Same
Alex Rodgers
This cover does so much justice to the original while changing it a lot. I love it so much.
SkellionPowalskiz
I would prefer Voivod doing a cover of this song than a band that isn't worth mentioning in the same breath as either King Crimson or Voivod. Them making a cover of this song is basically them saying they really like King Crimson, and I really like King Crimson, and I really like Voivod. Simple. It helps that the cover is enjoyable and doesn't butcher the song. It's one band's take on another band's song as a tribute, so of course it's going to sound a little different.
prat fabrice
wonderful cover, Voivod rules !!!
judassab
@MFRsDemoner I beg to differ. Voivod is perfect for covering this and the paranoia that is the phobos album matches with the spirit of the century. This just feels so right...
JohnMatayas
This is one tight, powerful cover. Good job.
adam axabras
fajnie by było, gdyby to po polskiemu "zaśpiewać" :D słowa są naprawdę fajne.
Joseph Silver
Where in my statement did I say that this is the best cover they've ever done? I said I don't understand why everyone is making such a fuss over this particular cover. Once again, name another cover version of this song that is as faithful to the original version of this song.