Lyrics
In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue for love of god and me and you(no)
Columbus sailed in 1492, supposedly for the love of God and humanity, but the narrator expresses doubt ("no").
In 1941 we intervened to stop the spread of world fascism(no)
In 1941, intervention occurred to combat world fascism, but the narrator questions the effectiveness ("no").
Listen up boys and girls it's the history of the whole world and you know it's true(no)
An invitation to pay attention as the lyrics narrate the history of the world, claimed to be true.
6 million jews they call it genocide 100 million native americans what
Highlights the contrasting attention given to the Holocaust (6 million Jews) and the genocide of 100 million Native Americans.
An unfortunate price for today's quality of life
Suggests that the current quality of life has come at the unfortunate cost of historical atrocities.
All people every person experiences violation
Asserts that every person experiences violation, possibly referring to injustices or mistreatment.
When told what is right and told what is wrong
Describes the violation experienced when individuals are dictated what is right and wrong.
And todl what to do under the threat of violent intimidation
Expands on the violation theme, mentioning being told what to do under the threat of violent intimidation.
Virus kills us now virus kills us then over and over and again and again
Addresses the recurring threat of viruses, emphasizing their impact on life throughout history.
Sun goes down in my town Berkeley CA sold me on too many dreams of justice and brotherhood
Reflects on disillusionment in Berkeley, CA, where dreams of justice and brotherhood were oversold.
Sun goes down in my town Berkeley CA sold me on too many dreams of peace on the earth in our time
Continues the disillusionment theme, expressing disappointment in unfulfilled dreams of peace on Earth.
In 1969 my forefathers(mothers) said stop this land is his and hers and yours and mine
Refers to 1969 when forefathers(mothers) asserted land ownership, emphasizing collective ownership.
In 1992 Rosebud sailed the sky so blue she gave her life for me and you
Mentions Rosebud sailing the sky in 1992, suggesting a sacrifice for the narrator and humanity.
All people...
Reiterates the idea that all people experience violation, reinforcing a sense of shared struggle.
Sun goes down in my town
Repeats the imagery of the sun going down in Berkeley, perhaps symbolizing a decline or disillusionment.
I believe in me. I make my dreams end.
Expresses a belief in oneself and the assertion of control over one's dreams.
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