Meaning of "If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next" by Manic Street Preachers

"If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next" by Manic Street Preachers is a politically charged song that addresses the dangers of apathy and complacency. It explores the idea that the present situations of fear, isolation, and indifference to violence are shaping the future generation. The opening line, "The future teaches you to be alone, the present to be afraid and cold," emphasizes the feeling of detachment and alienation in society. The present conditions, marked by fear and coldness, are the breeding ground for an apathetic generation.

The line "So if I can shoot rabbits then I can shoot fascists" suggests that the singer sees violence as a means to an end. By equating the shooting of rabbits with shooting fascists, the lyrics highlight the desperation and anger underlying their message. It symbolizes an urge to fight against oppressive forces using any means necessary, even if it means resorting to violence.

The chorus, "And if you tolerate this then your children will be next," delivers a powerful warning. It implies that if society remains indifferent and tolerant towards the present injustices and inequalities, future generations will inevitably suffer the same consequences. The repetition of "will be next" serves as a reminder that these negative patterns will continue unless action is taken.

The lyrics also touch on themes of shame and vanity. The lines "Gravity keeps my head down, or is it maybe shame? At being so young and being so vain" explore the struggle between personal identity and societal pressures. The speaker feels weighed down by a combination of guilt and self-centeredness, perhaps suggesting that this generation's complacency stems partially from their own self-absorption.

The final verse introduces an old man reminiscing about his past glories through newspaper cuttings. This image serves as a reminder that the price of tolerance and apathy is a loss of vibrancy and passion. The elderly man represents the last generation, carrying the remnants of an era that was not apathetic and complacent. The fact that he plays with newspaper cuttings suggests that the glory days are long gone, and society is now left with only fragments of that vibrant past.

Overall, "If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next" serves as a powerful critique of indifference, apathy, and the potential consequences if these attitudes continue. It urges listeners to question the direction society is heading and to take action before it's too late.