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By pointing out how the vast majority of the world’s citizens do not actually have a say in politics and everything above them, this line addresses humanity and tells its glory and freedom was merely a dream.

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Another single from The 2nd Law. Very funky, with hooks full of falsetto. The theme of the song is you need to go and achieve your dreams, no matter how hard it is.

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‘Supremacy’ sees the band going to “absurd levels,” according to Matt. Spiralling swamp blues of the track builds to a climax of orchestral hysteria as Matt orates a terrifying scene of mankind losing its supremacy over the Earth as “the seas have risen up” and energy shortages cause global desperation.

According to a French magazine, Jeuxactu, the song has elements of “Kashmir” from Led Zeppelin in its guitar riff and orchestration.
During the post-Madness debut interview on Radio One with Zane Lowe, Matt said the song had a “big 7-string riff.”

This song has been compared to Led Zeppelin and a James Bond theme tune.

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This anti-establishment song ends its introductory verse with a jab against Christianity. However, it may not be anti-Christian in total. Rather, in keeping with the rest of the song, it may be a critique of the way in which the conservative Christian minority in the United States takes up a significant portion of air time when it comes to expressing opinions to the public.

In 1998, the National Association of Radio estimated that 75-80% of talk show hosts were conservative, a far cry from the estimated 28% of Americans who identified as conservative at the same time. Armstrong identifies this as a form of “mind-control,” as the song in its entirety asserts that the United States is essentially controlled by a “DJ.”

“Onward, Christian Soldiers” is also the name of a religious hymn that was written by Rev. Sabine Baring-Gould in 1871. Armstrong references it sarcastically, implying that by cloaking their messages in interesting packaging, much like a DJ would be playing interesting music, these conservative pundits are able to control the general American public.

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“Anarchy in the U.K.” was released as the band’s debut single on 26 November 1976 and was later featured on their album, Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols. “Anarchy in the U.K.” is number 56 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and is included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.

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This line has a couple purposes: one, it acts as a reference to the Who’s “The Kids Are Alright”. Two, the entire song is about him holding onto the love he had when he was 16. it was better, purer, rawer, and will always remain in his heart.

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Carpe diem is a phrase from a Latin poem by Horace that has become an aphorism. It is popularly translated as “seize the day.”

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A reference to the Classic song by The Clash:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faXzfBi8kmI

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Vienna is a metaphor for the rest of your life. Joel is asking all the young and restless overachievers, “When will you be patient, and understand that the rest of your life can wait for you to achieve love and happiness?”

Billy has referred to being in Vienna when he started writing this song. In this town, he sees an old woman sweeping the street. He asks his father why she is made to do it and not a younger person. His father tells him that everybody in this town has a purpose and does their part and in doing so, everybody is cared for and valued in their society. No matter what you do or how long it takes you, Vienna will wait for you.

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