If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next

Manic Street Preachers' song "If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next" is a powerful anthem that addresses themes of political apathy, the dangers of fascism, and the importance of taking a stand. The song draws inspiration from the Spanish Civil War, where international volunteers, including Welsh miners, fought against Franco's fascist forces. The lyrics are a stark reminder that complacency in the face of injustice can have dire consequences for future generations.

The opening lines, "The future teaches you to be alone / The present to be afraid and cold," set a somber tone, highlighting the isolation and fear that can result from political inaction. The line, "So if I can shoot rabbits / Then I can shoot fascists," is a provocative metaphor suggesting that if one can perform a simple, albeit violent, act, they can also take a stand against greater evils. This metaphor underscores the idea that ordinary people have the power to resist oppression.

The chorus, "And if you tolerate this / Then your children will be next," serves as a chilling warning. It emphasizes the responsibility of the current generation to act against injustice to prevent future suffering. The repetition of "will be next" drives home the urgency of the message. The song also touches on themes of shame and regret, as seen in the lines, "Gravity keeps my head down / Or is it maybe shame / At being so young and being so vain." This reflects the internal conflict of wanting to make a difference but feeling paralyzed by self-doubt and societal pressures.

The imagery of an old man playing with newspaper cuttings of his glory days in the final verse serves as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of time and the importance of making meaningful contributions while one can. The song's overall message is a call to action, urging listeners to confront and resist fascism and injustice, lest they leave a legacy of suffering for their children.