Meaning of "Past Is Dead" by Bad Religion

"Past Is Dead" offers a critique of society's tendency to ignore or downplay the negative aspects of history. The opening lines, "Solemn regret, transgressions fill my head," describe the personal remorse and burden that comes with past mistakes and regrets. The lyrics then shift to address how society as a whole handles the past. It suggests that success is often measured by one's ability to forget, as seen in the line, "A measure of success is how well to forget." This can be interpreted as a way of avoiding accountability for past actions and their consequences.

The mention of the battlefield and history being strewn about indicates that the reminders of the past are scattered throughout our lives. However, the lyrics highlight how these reminders are only celebrated and respected when convenient, implying a selective memory or an unwillingness to confront uncomfortable truths. The line, "As if we're all in an equivalent trajectory," suggests that society tends to view the past experiences of different individuals as equally significant, even when they are not.

The lyrics also criticize the tendency to prioritize instant gratification and intellectual poverty in society. The dominant portion of society seeks immediate satisfaction, neglecting the importance of intellectual growth and learning from the past. This lack of empathy and understanding is touched upon with the line, "I'd like to be empathetic but I can't, the jeopardy is too great to make a stand." It portrays the fear and risks involved in challenging the status quo and questioning societal norms.

The chorus, "Now the past is dead, let's focus on tomorrow instead, on the tragic present said the past is dead," encourages a forward-looking perspective. It advocates for a shift in focus towards the present and future, letting go of the past and its burdens. The repeated phrase "the past is dead" serves as a reminder to move on from the past in order to progress and evolve, both individually and as a society.

The lyrics also touch on the idea of decision-making and the potential consequences that may arise. The line, "My next great decision is just lying in wait, the action might turn out to be world's most grievous mistake," suggests that the fear of making mistakes can hinder progress and personal growth. It emphasizes the need to take risks despite the possibility of failure.

In summary, "Past Is Dead" conveys a message of reflection, regret, and the importance of leaving the past behind. It criticizes society's tendency to selectively remember and glorify history while advocating for a focus on the present and future, as well as the need to take risks and learn from past mistakes.