If The Truth Be Known

Napalm Death's song "If The Truth Be Known" delves into the themes of self-reflection, judgment, and the inevitability of certain life paths. The lyrics challenge the listener to think critically about their actions and the judgments they pass on others. The opening lines, "Your self-determined place of value / Think before you act!" suggest a call for introspection and caution before making decisions or passing judgment. This sets the tone for a song that questions the validity and fairness of criticism, especially when it comes from a place of self-righteousness.

The song further explores the idea that sometimes life presents us with limited choices, as highlighted in the lines, "Sometimes there's only a single path / Which we have to walk." This metaphor of a one-way street implies that certain situations are unavoidable and must be faced head-on. The rhetorical question, "Why should we retreat? - To satisfy your gain?" challenges the notion of retreating or changing course merely to appease others, emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself.

A significant part of the song's message is encapsulated in the line, "But let he without sin / Cast the first begrudging stone." This biblical reference underscores the hypocrisy often inherent in judgment. The song suggests that those who are quick to judge others should first examine their own flaws and shortcomings. The closing lines, "If the truth be known / you desire to judge unchallenged / and revel in the according attention," critique the human tendency to judge others for the sake of gaining attention and validation, rather than out of genuine concern or righteousness.