If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next
Manic Street PreachersThe Spanish Civil War served as a source of inspiration for this song, which speaks of the idealism of the volunteers, who enlisted in the International Brigade to fight against the rebel army that threatened the Republic and democracy in Spain. (1936-1939)
The title of the song comes from a propaganda poster used by the Republican side (see image) to receive international support. The poster featured a photograph of a child killed by the national side during the bombings. The photograph was accompanied by text that read "The "military" practice of the rebels", "If you tolerate this, your children will be next".
Source: wikipedia
The future teaches you to be alone
The present to be afraid and cold
So if I can shoot rabbits
Then I can shoot fascists
Bullets for your brain today
But we'll forget it all again
Monuments put from pen to paper
Turns me into a gutless wonder
And if you tolerate this
Then your children will be next
And if you tolerate this
Then your children will be next
Will be next
Will be next
Will be next
Gravity keeps my head down
Or is it maybe shame
At being so young and being so vain
Holes in your head today
But I'm a pacifist
I've walked La Ramblas
But not with real intent
And if you tolerate this
Then your children will be next
And if you tolerate this
Then your children will be next
Will be next
Will be next
Will be next
Will be next
And on the street tonight an old man plays
With newspaper cuttings of his glory days
And if you tolerate this
Then your children will be next
And if you tolerate this
Then your children will be next
Will be next
Will be next
Will be next
Play with the song, fill the gaps
Legend
- The video player plays from the time specified
- Chorus
- People Talking