1986, The Battle Continues

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a nascent movement born from disillusionment with established power structures. Initially, the focus was on questioning the "house that state built," its policies, and its governing force, driven by a collective rejection of "state oppression" and environmental abuse. This early phase was characterized by its anti-political, leaderless nature, relying on "natural, humane feelings" rather than formal manifestos, a stance the ruling powers dismissed as "anarchists." What emerges is a stark contrast between the movement's desire for "change and peace" and the state's violent response, which the lyrics frame as a declaration of "war." This escalation is detailed through specific actions: the sinking of Greenpeace, the smashing of events, the reclamation of Stonehenge, and the "killing the community" alongside the "imprisoned all who questioned." The narrator perceives these actions as the formalization of a "police state." The most striking shift is the transition from passive protest to active resistance. The lyrics explicitly state, "the time had come to stop screaming at their foundations and start kicking them: from protest to resistance." This signifies a pivotal moment where the movement decides that dialogue and demonstration are insufficient against an unyielding and aggressive authority, leading to a more direct confrontation. This evolution from questioning to demanding, and finally to resisting, is what gives the lyrics their raw power. The sense of righteous anger is palpable, fueled by the perceived injustice and the state's brutal suppression. The final, unfinished declaration of strength and organization suggests an ongoing struggle, a commitment to "drive our vital message home" against overwhelming odds.