Meaning of "The Dissident" by Slash

The lyrics of "The Dissident" reflect a sense of disillusionment and questioning of the reasons for war and conflict. The narrator, possibly drawing from personal experiences, stands against the mindless adherence to ideologies and traditions, recognizing the futility and wrongness of the violence. By rejecting the notion of blindly following the commands of authority figures such as fathers, the song highlights the importance of individual conscience and questioning the status quo. It suggests that true strength lies in one's ability to think for oneself and not succumb to the pressure to conform. Slash, through this song, emphasizes the importance of love and its survival, even in the face of hatred and destruction. The repeated chorus "I guess I never stopped believing that love can survive" reveals an underlying optimism and faith in the power of love to overcome the darkness of the world. The lyrics also suggest a longing to escape the violence and turmoil, wanting to walk away from a place that does not offer solace or refuge. Ultimately, "The Dissident" serves as a reminder to question the motives behind conflicts and to hold onto the belief in love as a force to inspire change and healing.