Meaning of "'84 Sheepdog" by As Cities Burn

"84 Sheepdog" explores the concept of manipulation and control, specifically focusing on the influence exerted on individuals since a young age. The repetition of the line "They fixed your brain when you were young" emphasizes the idea that people are shaped and molded by external forces before they have the ability to discern the truth. It suggests a sense of powerlessness and the loss of individual agency as one's thoughts and beliefs are manipulated by those in authority.

The lyrics also tackle the theme of hidden intentions and the exploitation of trust. The line "If the good Lord's good sheep do their jobs, you would never see they were wolves underneath" portrays those in positions of power as wolves pretending to be harmless sheep. This metaphor suggests that the manipulators disguise their true motives and intentions, but leave behind visible marks or signs that can eventually reveal their true nature.

The song further criticizes societal norms and the superficiality of accepted beliefs. The contrast between the brightly lit streets and the love found in the alleyway highlights the dichotomy between the sanitized, ordered world presented to us and the raw, authentic experiences that exist outside of mainstream acceptability. The protagonist's observation of love being tossed aside and lost in the wake symbolizes the rejection of genuine emotions and experiences in favor of conforming to societal expectations.

Overall, "84 Sheepdog" serves as a critique of the control exerted by those in power, the manipulation of beliefs, and the suppression of individuality. It sheds light on the dangers of blindly following authority and encourages listeners to question and challenge the status quo.