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This thread is for discussing the Electro/Industrial/EBM/Goth/Trance band VNV Nation.
The reason for this is that many reviewers compare the lyrics to the writings of, you guessed it, Ayn Rand. I recently attended their concert held in Brisbane, Australia, and afterwards I got to talk with the frontman Ronan Harris, who noted the Rand phenomenon (he knows his philosophy too, and given he was 'amazed' that people likened his lyrics to Ayn Rand's writings, we can safely assume he has grave disagreements with Objectivism (on the recent album, he claims to have derived some inspiration from (shudder) Kant)).
Either way, I wish to post the lyrics of two VNV Nation songs, both of which mean very much to me (I consider these songs to be #3 and #1 in my 'favorite songs of all time' list). The first is to a song called "Joy," which is essentially about the battle for control of one's own life. To me, its the Electro-Industrial version of Halley's Fourth Concerto.
JOY
Have I no control, is my soul not mine?
Am I not just man, destiny defined?
Never to be ruled nor held to heel.
Not heaven or hell just the land between.
Am I not man, does my heart not bleed?
No Lord, no God, no hate, no pity, no pain, just ME.
Comprehend and countermand.
Synchronous guidance. I choose my way.
Never to be ruled nor held to heel.
Not heaven or hell just the land between.
and am I not man?
So why do I love when I still feel pain?
When does it end, when is my work done?
Why am I lone and why do I feel
that I carry a sword through a battle field?
So why do I love when I still feel pain?
When does it end, when is my work done?
Why do I fight and why do I feel
that I carry a sword, that I carry a sword?
Like the path to heaven or the road to hell
our choice is our own consequences bind.
We are the kings of wisdom, the fools as well.
We are the gods to many, we are humble men.
We who build great works just to break them down.
We who make our rules so we never fail.
So why do I love when I still feel pain?
When does it end, when is my work done?
Why am I lone and why do I feel
that I carry a sword through a battle field?
So why do I love when I still feel pain?
When does it end, when is my work done?
Why do I fight and why do I feel
that I carry a sword, that a carry a sword?
The next song is Darkangel, and about its meaning I am much less certain. Although for me it is similar to the above, a cry of defiance, an impassioned declaration of absolute indomitability.
DARKANGEL
In your dream you see me clear
I have no restraint, no fear
Powerless I watched from faces I'd assumed.
My purpose set. My will defined.
Caress the air.
Embrace the skies.
Escape the sorrow and restraint of mortal cities.
Give me time I will be clear.
Given time you'll understand
What posesses me to right what you have suffered.
I'm in this mood because of scorn.
I'm in a mood for total war.
To the darkened skies once more and ever onward.
So many years I stood among
the thoughts and tears of those I served.
Among my own I was alone through my own doing.
All the years I walked unknown behind the faces I assumed.
Powerless to clear your mind of what you'd suffered.
They fall again.
They fall again.
Give me time I will be clear.
Given time you'll understand
What posesses me to right what you have suffered.
I'm in this mood because of scorn.
I'm in a mood for total war.
To the darkened skies once more and ever onward.
There is no faith in which to hide.
Even truth is filled with lies.
Doubting angels fall to walk among the living.
I'm in this mood because of scorn.
I'm in a mood for total war.
To the darkened skies once more and ever onward.
I'd only come here seeking peace.
I'd only come here seeking me.
It seems I came to leave.
If the lyrics have gained your interest, you may want to purchase this. I recommend Metropolis Mail Order (faster and cheaper than Amazon.com), and the first CD to get as "Empires" (their best album). Be warned, its heavy going and not happy (well it IS goth music, so that is to be expected), and some consider it quite harsh at first. However, if you like electronic music with good lyrics, VNV Nation never disappoint.
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