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over 2 years ago
Lyrics of If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next by Manic Street Preachers
verse
The future teaches you to be alone
The present to be afraid and cold
So if I can shoot rabbits then I can shoot fascists
Bullets for your brain today
But we′ll forget it all again
Monuments put from pen to paper
Turns me into a gutless wonder
chorus
And if you tolerate this
Then your children will be next
And if you tolerate this
Then your children will be next
Will be next, will be next
Will be next
verse
Gravity keeps my head down
Or is it maybe shame
At being so young and being so vain?
Holes in your head today
But I'm a pacifist
I′ve walked La Ramblas
But not with real intent
chorus
And if you tolerate this
Then your children will be next
And if you tolerate this
Then your children will be next
Will be next, will be next
Will be next
Will be next
bridge
And on the street tonight an old man plays
With newspaper cuttings of his glory days
chorus
And if you tolerate this
Then your children will be next
And if you tolerate this
Then your children will be next
Will be next, will be next
Will be next
Writer(s): Nicholas Allen Jones, Sean Anthony Moore, James Dean Bradfield
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Meaning
The song 'If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next' by Manic Street Preachers delves into the themes of resistance, sacrifice, and the consequences of complacency in the face of oppression. It metaphorically warns about the dangers of turning a blind eye to injustice, highlighting the intergenerational impact of inaction and the importance of standing up against tyranny to protect future generations.
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Themes
Political awareness
• And if you tolerate this then your children will be next
• So if I can shoot rabbits then I can shoot fascists
Shame and regret
• Gravity keeps my head down
• Or is it maybe shame at being so young and being so vain?
The passage of time
• And on the street tonight an old man plays with newspaper cuttings of his glory days
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Moods
Social commentary, despair, angst, reflection, anger
Rating: PG-13
Lyrics may be unsuitable for younger ears
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Credits
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Contributions
Last edit over 2 years ago
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Forever Delayed
Album • 2007 • 20 tracks
3
If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next
Manic Street Preachers
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