"Lust For Power" by New Model Army describes a peasant revolution storming a palace gates, achieving victory and claiming trophies of power. The narrator reflects on the emptiness of their conquests, the loss of loved ones, and the never-ending pursuit of power despite all desires being satisfied.

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Meaning of "Lust For Power" by New Model Army


The lyrics of "Lust For Power" by New Model Army delve into the dangerous allure of power and the emptiness that comes with relentless pursuit of dominance. The song paints a vivid picture of a revolution overthrowing the established order and claiming victory, only to realize that the spoils of power and conquest do not bring true fulfillment. The narrator's reflection on their trophies and winnings being mere symbols of their relentless quest for power highlights the emptiness at the core of their existence. The repeated reference to lost loved ones and the never-ending hunt for more power speak to the destructive nature of unchecked ambition. The narrator's realization that despite all desire being satisfied, the hunt for power continues, underscores the insatiable nature of this lust for dominance. The juxtaposition of material wealth and inner emptiness, symbolized by the glittering stores and fatted calves lining the streets, further emphasizes the hollowness of the pursuit of power. Ultimately, the song serves as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of pursuing power at all costs and the importance of finding true fulfillment in more meaningful pursuits.