Song: The Automatic Man
Album: No Control
Year: 1989
Lyrics:
He's the latest superhero with powers so profound
He can leap a dotted line in just a single bound
I know you must have seen him in books and magazines
He's the quintessential mindless modern episcene
His life is meaningful because he gets things done
Bang bang he's dead, chalk up another triumph for our hero
The Automatic Man
It's true you must have met him, he's your best friend and your foe
His opinions are determined by the status quo
A true creature of habit, he smokes three packs a day
When he has an original thought, he forgets it right away
He's a paradigm of carefree living
He's our mentor, disturb him if you can
He's the answer if your peace of mind is lacking
He's our savior, he is the common man
So if you are troubled by the daily bump and grind
Then take a careful look around and brother you will find...
The Automatic Man
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I especially like the second verse on the Automatic Man. 'His opinions are determined by the status quo', etc. Really dovetails well with the previous post on individuality.
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Song: Spirit Shine
Album: The Gray Race
Year: 1996
Lyrics:
Shed a tear for the criminal, give him something to believe
Light a fire for the miserable, give the darkness some meaning
Closed wounds harbor pestilence, when you lick them from within
Charity has a redolence chastity cannot rescind
Spirit shine, it's a sign
Of a tortured mind
Spirit shine all the time
Can render you blind
You can take it all to heart or throw it all away
You can give until you're dry and sucked of all your gleam
You can fake another cry and compromise your dream
Cling tight to the parable - let it dominate your life
Create a God who's infallible - give your leader some respite
Closed wounds harbor pestilence - when you lick them from within
Rosy smiles lose their radiance - when you take it on the chin
Spirit shine, it's a sign
Of a troubled mind
Spirit shine all the time
Can render you...
Spirit shine, it's a sign
Of a tortured mind
Spirit shine all the time
Can render you blind
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They've got plenty of songs to choose from on the topic of religion, but that's probably my favorite in terms of philosophy and sound.
It's not that religion is bad... it's just, when you let it blind you to realities... that's not good. However, there's usually a reason why people allow themselves to fall so deeply to fall into religion. They're looking for 'The Answer' (another Bad Religion song actually) or just trying to look toward something that brings some happiness to life... Zealotry of any kind is dangerous though.
Speaking of 'The Answer'...
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Song: The Answer
Album: Generator
Year: 1992
Lyrics:
Long ago in a dusty village
Full of hunger, pain and strife
A man came forth with a vision of truth
And the way to a better life
He was convinced he had the answer
And he compelled people to follow along
But the hunger never vanished
And the man was banished
And the village dried up and died
At a time when wise men peered
Through brass tubes toward the sky
The heavens changed in predictable ways
And one man was able to find
That he had thought he found the answer
And he was quick to write his revelation
But as they were scrutinized
In his colleagues eyes
He soon became a mockery
Don't tell me about the answer
Cause then another one will come along soon
I don't believe you have the answer
Ive got ideas too
But if you've got enough naivety
And you've got conviction
Then the answer is perfect for you
An urban sprawl sits choking on its discharge
Overwhelmed by industry
Searching for a modern day savior from another place
Inclined toward charity
Everyone's begging for an answer
Without regard validity
The searching never ends
It goes on and on and on for eternity
Don't tell me about the answer
Cause then another one will come along soon
I don't believe you have the answer
Ive got ideas too
But if you've got enough naivety
And you've got conviction
Then the answer is perfect for you
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An interesting commentary on how religions and how people are at times eager to accept any 'answer' that can make life easier.
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