The Knife

Album: Trespass (1970)
Play Video
  • Tell me my life is about to begin
    Tell me that I am a hero
    Promise me all of your violent dreams
    Light up your body with anger
    Now, in this ugly world
    It is time to destroy all this evil
    Now, when I give a word
    Get ready to fight for your freedom
    Now

    Stand up and fight, for you know we are right
    We must strike at the lies
    That have spread like disease through our minds
    Soon we'll have power, every soldier will rest
    And we'll spread out our kindness
    To all who our love now deserve
    Some of you are going to die
    Martyrs of course to the freedom that I shall provide

    I'll give you the names of those you must kill
    All must die with their children
    Carry their heads to the palace of old
    Hang them high, let the blood flow
    Now, in this ugly world
    Break all the chains around us
    Now, the crusade has begun
    Give us a land fit for heroes
    Now

    Stand up and fight, for you know we are right
    We must strike at the lies
    That have spread like disease through our minds
    Soon we'll have power, every soldier will rest
    And we'll spread out our kindness
    To all who our love now deserve
    Some of you are going to die
    Martyrs of course to the freedom that I shall provide

    We are only wanting freedom
    We are only wanting freedom
    We are only wanting freedom
    We are only wanting freedom (Freedom, freedom, freedom, freedom)
    We are only wanting freedom (Things are getting out of control here today)
    We are only wanting freedom (OK men, fire over their heads!)

    We have won

    Some of you are going to die
    Martyrs of course to the freedom that I shall provide Writer/s: Anthony Banks, Anthony Phillips, Michael Rutherford, Peter Gabriel
    Publisher: BMG Rights Management
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 2

  • Paul from OhThis song "The Knife" has even been sung by Phil Collins when he took-over Genesis in 1979...though the instrumental was omitted.

    And is it me or...does the guitar solo a predecessor to "Stairway to Heaven"?
  • David Patch from Toledo, OhioPhil Collins was not a writer of this song. He did not join the band until after Trespass was released.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Dr. John

Dr. JohnSongwriter Interviews

The good doctor shares some candid insights on recording with Phil Spector and The Black Keys.

Matthew Wilder - "Break My Stride"

Matthew Wilder - "Break My Stride"They're Playing My Song

Wilder's hit "Break My Stride" had an unlikely inspiration: a famous record mogul who rejected it.

Chris Squire of Yes

Chris Squire of YesSongwriter Interviews

One of the most dynamic bass player/songwriters of his time, Chris is the only member of Yes who has been with the band since they formed in 1968.

Gary Louris of The Jayhawks

Gary Louris of The JayhawksSongwriter Interviews

The Jayhawks' song "Big Star" has special meaning to Gary, who explains how longevity and inspiration have trumped adulation.

David Paich of Toto

David Paich of TotoSongwriter Interviews

Toto's keyboard player explains the true meaning of "Africa" and talks about working on the Thriller album.

Jeff Trott

Jeff TrottSongwriter Interviews

Sheryl Crow's longtime songwriting partner/guitarist Jeff Trott reveals the stories behind many of the singer's hits, and what its like to be a producer for Leighton Meester and Max Gomez.