Memories Of Tomorrow

Suicidal Tendencies' song 'Memories Of Tomorrow' paints a grim and dystopian picture of a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by nuclear warfare. The lyrics are stark and direct, reflecting the band's hardcore punk roots and their penchant for addressing dark and controversial themes. The song opens with a vivid description of various nuclear weapons, such as B-1 bombers, Trident missiles, and MX missiles, highlighting the omnipresent threat of nuclear annihilation. This imagery sets the stage for the song's central theme: the devastating consequences of nuclear war.

The chorus, 'Memories of tomorrow-too late for sorrow,' serves as a chilling reminder that once the nuclear button is pushed, there is no turning back. The phrase suggests a future where the only remnants of humanity are the haunting memories of what once was. The song's narrative progresses to describe the immediate aftermath of a nuclear explosion, with A-bombs flying off their ramps and nuclear bombs exploding. This imagery evokes a sense of urgency and impending doom, emphasizing the irreversible nature of nuclear conflict.

As the song continues, it delves into the harrowing realities of a post-nuclear world. Radioactive people searching for medicine, praying for shelter, and killing for food paint a bleak picture of survival in a contaminated and desolate landscape. The lyrics also touch on mass starvation, contaminated water, destroyed cities, and mutilated bodies, further illustrating the catastrophic impact of nuclear war. The final verse, 'I'll kill myself, I'd rather die, if you could see in the future, you'd know why,' underscores the hopelessness and despair that permeate the song. It suggests that the future envisioned in 'Memories Of Tomorrow' is so bleak that death is preferable to living through it.