Now You've Got Something To Die For

Lamb of God's song "Now You've Got Something To Die For" is a powerful critique of war, imperialism, and the hypocrisy often associated with these themes. The lyrics are raw and unflinching, painting a grim picture of the motivations behind war and the devastating consequences it has on humanity. The phrase "Now you've got something to die for" is repeated throughout the song, serving as a bitterly ironic statement about the reasons given for war, which are often cloaked in noble rhetoric but driven by darker, more selfish motives.

The song opens with the words "Infidel, Imperial," immediately setting a tone of conflict and domination. The lyrics speak of a "lust for blood" and a "blind crusade," suggesting that wars are often fought under the guise of righteousness but are, in reality, driven by a desire for power and control. The mention of "Bombs to set the people free, blood to feed the dollar tree" highlights the economic motivations behind war, where human lives are sacrificed for financial gain. The imagery of "flags for coffins on the screen" and "oil for the machine" further emphasizes the exploitation and commodification of both human life and natural resources.

The song also delves into the indoctrination and manipulation of people, particularly the young, who are sent to fight and die for causes they may not fully understand. Phrases like "Send the children to the fire, sons and daughters stack the pyre" and "gunpoint indoctrination" underscore the tragic loss of life and the moral corruption involved in perpetuating war. The line "Face of hypocrisy, raping democracy" is a scathing indictment of the false pretenses under which wars are often waged, suggesting that the very principles of freedom and democracy are being violated in the process.

In the final verses, the song takes on an even darker tone, warning that the cycle of violence and hypocrisy will continue to drag everyone down into a metaphorical grave. The phrase "We'll never get out of this hole until we've dug our own grave" serves as a grim reminder of the self-destructive nature of war and the long-lasting damage it inflicts on society. The song ends with the word "Burn," a stark and haunting conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on the listener.