Meaning of "Who Taught You How To Hate" by Disturbed

The song "Who Taught You How To Hate" delves into the origins and consequences of hatred. It presents a powerful and emotional plea to understand the reasons behind someone's capacity for hatred. The opening verses depict a sense of confusion and fear as the speaker is surrounded by angry individuals they do not know, questioning why they deserve to be targeted. This conveys the frustrating and unsettling experience of being unjustly hated simply because of differences.

The chorus serves as a crucial turning point, as the speaker goes on to demand an explanation for the source of the taught hatred. They challenge the assumption that hatred is inherent, proclaiming that it is not "in your blood" or a part of one's inherent nature. Instead, they argue that someone or something has influenced and indoctrinated others into hating. This notion challenges the idea that hate is a natural inclination and emphasizes the role of external influences.

The lyrics further explore the impact of fear and lies in perpetuating hatred. The song expresses how a single individual can plant an "evil seed" by preying on people's fears and manipulating them with deception. This portrays the insidious nature of how hatred can be nurtured and spread, emphasizing the importance of vigilance against propaganda and falsehoods.

In the second verse, the lyrics present a contrasting scene of innocent children playing without judgment or prejudice. This stark contrast highlights the learned nature of hatred and the idea that it is not inherent but rather taught to individuals as they grow. It questions why someone would choose to adopt hatred and abandon their innocence, laying blame on the influence of external forces.

The bridge of the song delves into the consequences of hate, portraying the individual consumed by it as losing their innocence, becoming arrogant, and ultimately burning their own life away. This imagery suggests that hatred is self-destructive and isolating, rendering those who harbor it "dead to everyone." The repetition of the line "you become dead to everyone" emphasizes the profound isolation and alienation caused by hate.

Overall, "Who Taught You How To Hate" is a thought-provoking and emotional exploration of the origins and consequences of hatred. It challenges the assumption that hate is an inherent quality, instead emphasizing its learned nature. The song serves as a powerful call to understand and confront the sources of hatred in society, reminding listeners of the destructive impact it has on individuals and communities.