Rest In Peace

Extreme's song "Rest In Peace" delves into the complexities and ironies surrounding the concept of peace in modern society. The lyrics open with a critique of how the word 'peace' has become a cliché, a mere catchphrase that people use without understanding its depth. The mention of the 'middle, index' fingers forming the peace sign highlights how this symbol has become a superficial gesture rather than a genuine call for change. The song suggests that advocating for peace has become as complex and misunderstood as the nature of water itself.

The chorus brings in a sense of hypocrisy, pointing out that while people say 'give peace a chance,' they often do so from a place of inaction and pretense. The line 'sitting on the fence' captures this indecisiveness and lack of commitment. The song accuses society of pretending to have their hearts in the right place, while their actions—or lack thereof—betray a different story. This hypocrisy is further emphasized with the phrase 'Don't tread on me,' a historical slogan that has been co-opted to justify various forms of resistance and defiance, often in contradictory ways.

The song's repeated refrain, 'Make love not war,' is described as sounding absurd, highlighting the disconnect between the idealistic phrase and the harsh realities of the world. Extreme warns that these words cannot be taken lightly; otherwise, the world will 'truly rest in peace,' a dark twist on the phrase that usually signifies death. The song calls for genuine action and introspection, urging people to look within their hearts to find peace rather than relying on empty slogans and gestures. It's a powerful critique of societal complacency and a call to move beyond superficial expressions of peace to meaningful, heartfelt actions.