Don't Believe

Artillery's song "Don't Believe" delves into themes of skepticism, deception, and the quest for truth. The lyrics are a call to question the information and beliefs that are presented to us, urging listeners to seek proof and clarity before accepting anything as true. The song opens with a series of descriptors—'Human,' 'Stranger,' 'Watcher,' 'Seer'—which suggest a variety of perspectives and roles, all of which are engaged in the act of observation and interpretation. This sets the stage for the central message: to clear one's thoughts and ease one's mind by not blindly believing in unverified claims.

The chorus, "Don't believe a word / Unless it's proven true / You might just catch a spell / Damnation upon you," serves as a stark warning against gullibility. The use of the word 'spell' implies that false beliefs can have a bewitching, almost magical hold on people, leading them astray. The mention of 'damnation' adds a layer of existential risk, suggesting that the stakes of believing in falsehoods are incredibly high, potentially leading to moral or spiritual ruin.

The song also critiques various figures of authority and influence—'Teacher,' 'Preacher,' 'Liar,' 'Crier,' 'Sinner,' and 'Winner.' Each of these roles is associated with different forms of manipulation or deceit. For instance, the 'Teacher' learns from the card, possibly alluding to tarot or other forms of divination, while the 'Preacher' finds it hard to love, indicating a disconnect between their teachings and their actions. The 'Liar' and 'Crier' represent emotional and intellectual chaos, while the 'Sinner' and 'Winner' highlight the moral ambiguities and internal conflicts that come with navigating a world full of half-truths and lies. The song concludes with a call to 'Solve the maze / Case the haze,' reinforcing the idea that finding truth is a complex, yet essential, endeavor.

Artillery, known for their thrash metal style, uses aggressive and fast-paced music to amplify the urgency and intensity of the song's message. The band's powerful instrumentation and raw vocals serve to underscore the critical need for discernment in a world rife with misinformation and deceit.