Kick the Chair
Megadeth
A Scathing Indictment of Corrupt Justice
Megadeth's song "Kick the Chair" is a powerful critique of the judicial system, highlighting its corruption and the commodification of justice. The lyrics paint a bleak picture where truth and lies are indistinguishable, and the courtroom has become a marketplace where justice is bought and sold. The opening lines set the tone, suggesting that the dawn brings no clarity between right and wrong, and the court is more interested in hanging someone high than delivering fair justice.
The song's chorus, "Kick the chair, the rope's tight," uses the metaphor of a hanging to illustrate the finality and brutality of the corrupted system. The imagery of a tooth being wrenched out quickly and the need to hang someone dead to prevent their return underscores the ruthless and unforgiving nature of this system. The lyrics suggest that whether friend or foe, the system demands a harsh and irreversible punishment, reflecting a world where mercy and fairness are absent.
Further, the song criticizes the media's role in this corrupt system. The press is depicted as a predator waiting to devour someone's soul, emphasizing the sensationalism and lack of integrity in reporting. The repeated assertion that "justice means nothing today" and the system's failure highlights a deep disillusionment with institutions that are supposed to uphold fairness and truth. Megadeth's aggressive musical style complements the song's themes, delivering a raw and unfiltered message about the failures of modern justice.