Song Meaning

The lyrics present a stark dichotomy between passive existence and bold action, framed by the relentless march of time. The opening lines immediately establish a sense of foreboding and cyclical change, where future betrayals are anticipated and past outcomes are questioned. This sets a tone of unease, suggesting that the present is merely a precursor to inevitable shifts and that forgiveness is absent in the face of this perpetual flux. The core tension emerges from the central question: is it better to live a long, uneventful life as a 'sheep,' or to experience a brief, impactful existence as a 'lion'? This choice is presented as the defining dilemma, with the answer seemingly tied to the present moment, even as tomorrow looms large. The narrative then deepens, introducing a more active, almost conspiratorial element of deception and betrayal. The 'traitors' are not just future figures but are actively deceiving 'comrades of today,' and their future actions are described as 'dressed in the murder of yesterday.' This imagery suggests a profound disruption of the past, where future machinations actively dismantle what has already occurred. Yet, even this active deception is framed within the same temporal paradox: 'in the sunrise of tomorrow today will fall and fade away.' The grander, more active plot of deception is ultimately subsumed by the same inevitable decay of the present. The most striking aspect of the craft is the persistent, almost hypnotic repetition of the core question and its paradoxical answer. The phrase "Should we be sheep who live forever should we be lions for one day / That is the question of tomorrow that is the answer of today" acts as a refrain, anchoring the lyrical exploration. This repetition underscores the inescapable nature of the choice and the frustrating ambiguity of its resolution. The lyrics suggest that while the future presents grand questions and the past is subject to revision, the only tangible reality is the present, which is itself fleeting and destined to be forgotten. The effectiveness lies in this relentless, circular logic, forcing the listener to confront the ephemeral nature of existence and the weight of choices made in the face of inevitable oblivion.