Meaning of "Then They Came For Me" by The Drones

"Then They Came For Me" explores themes of indifference, complicity, and the consequences of staying silent in the face of oppression. The lyrics convey a sense of being a witness to political unrest and injustice, symbolized by the Jericho Trumpet. The narrator reflects on their own personal experiences, feeling like an outsider stranded on a pier, watching waves of emigration. This imagery suggests displacement and a loss of agency.

The mentioning of airports and subway stations, such as Charles de Gaulle and Ben Gurion, adds to the theme of displacement and being caught in the midst of chaos. The narrator acknowledges their own inaction when others were targeted, emphasizing the guilt and regret that comes from failing to speak out or take action. The repetition of the refrain "I didn't do anything" and "I didn't say a thing" highlights the importance of not being complicit and the consequences of apathy.

The lyrics also make references to the Levantine Sea and the West Bank, suggesting a larger political backdrop. The image of fishless waters and the absence of natural life points to the devastating effects of conflict and the loss of humanity. The reference to the Underground's tube stations sets a more metaphoric tone, implying that even in the depths of society's underbelly, the flow of injustice and oppression persists.

The song concludes with the mention of black flags, symbolizing extremism and the rise of dangerous ideologies. The idea of "lowlifes" as staff writers and gulls sharpening their beaks represents the dangers that arise when society becomes complicit or even supportive of oppressive acts. The juxtaposition of the tailored cut and skull grinding its teeth on each lapel speaks to the presence and acceptance of brutality within society.

Overall, "Then They Came For Me" serves as a warning against indifference, urging listeners to acknowledge their role and take a stand against injustice and oppression, no matter how distant they may seem.