Kept in Check
Defying Submission: Sick of It All's Anthem for Freedom
Lyrics
Listen,
Expression of readiness to listen and engage in a dialogue.
We won't give up on our freedom
Commitment to preserving freedom despite challenges.
Even as we're beaten to submission
Refusal to submit even in the face of physical force.
Even as they want achievements on their terms
Critique of achievements imposed on their terms by others.
Rulings to be followed to the letter
Resistance against strict adherence to imposed rules.
What a joke,
Disparagement of the situation as a joke.
It's to chaotic
Characterization of the current state as chaotic.
There's no control
Assertion that there is no control over the chaos.
It's so chaotic
Reiteration of the chaotic nature of the situation.
We reject their law
Declaration of rejection towards imposed laws.
They've paid for these things before
Observation that others have paid for similar issues without change.
And still nothing's different
Reiteration of the lack of change despite previous payments.
They've paid for these things before
Reflection on the persistent lack of change.
And still nothing's different
Continued emphasis on the absence of improvement.
Pity we don't qualify as equal
Expressing disappointment in not being treated as equals.
Pity we're not worthy of the same rights
Emphasizing the perceived lack of equal rights.
Even as humiliation keeps us down
Acknowledging the impact of humiliation.
Honor makes us want a better life
Aspiring for a better life driven by honor.
What a joke,
Reiteration of chaos in the situation.
It's so chaotic
Reiteration of the lack of control in the chaotic environment.
There's no control
Emphasis on the chaotic nature of the circumstances.
It's so chaotic
Repetition of the rejection of imposed laws.
We reject their law
Declaration of resistance against external laws.
They've paid for these things before
Reiteration of previous payments for issues without change.
And still nothing's different
Reemphasis on the persistence of unchanged circumstances.
They've paid for these things before
Reiteration of previous payments and lack of difference.
Nothing's different,
Absolute affirmation of no change at all.
Not at all
Blank line, potentially to highlight the gravity of the situation.
We're desperate and lost,
Characterization of the situation as helpless.
Helpless
Reiteration of the feeling of being helpless.
And they want respect from us,
Recognition of the demand for respect from the oppressed.
Helpless
Repetition of the sense of helplessness.
As we're kept in check,
Acknowledgment of being kept in check, restrained.
Helpless
Reiteration of the helpless state.
We're kept in a living death,
Description of the situation as a living death.
Helpless
Final emphasis on the feeling of helplessness and restriction.
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