Meaning of "New World..." by Robert Plant

The lyrics of "New World..." by Robert Plant reflect a dark and brutal perspective on colonization. The song tells the story of European settlers arriving in a new land and conquering the native inhabitants. The opening lines, "With songs of praise, a happy landing, On yet another virgin shore," create an image of the colonizers arriving full of excitement and optimism.

The lyrics then take a darker turn as the speaker describes their attitude towards the native people: "They're barely human, it's time to move them, Let them kneel before the sword." Here, the dehumanization and violence directed towards the native people are evident. The colonizers see themselves as superior, referring to the native people as "barely human" and asserting their power through force and domination.

The song also explores the theme of control and indoctrination. The line, "I educate the 'noble savage,'" shows the belief that the colonizers have the right to teach and convert the native people to their own way of thinking. The reference to the "great white father's word" further underscores the belief in European superiority and the idea that their laws and values should be imposed upon others.

The language used throughout the lyrics is deliberate and evokes a sense of power and violence. Words like "subjugate," "bloody sword," and "poison pen" highlight the brutality and dominance that the speaker and the colonizers embody. The final lines of the song, "Oh, oh," serve as a haunting and chilling refrain that reinforces the oppressive nature of colonization.

Overall, the lyrics of "New World..." examine the darker aspects of European colonization, shining a light on the violence, dehumanization, and control that often accompanied the expansion of colonial powers. The song speaks to the historical injustices perpetrated against indigenous peoples and serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of colonization.