Song meaning of The Persistence of Memory by The Holocaust

The lyrics of the song "The Persistence of Memory" by The Holocaust convey a dark and chaotic atmosphere. The artist uses vivid and aggressive imagery to explore themes of violence, rebellion, and the marginalization of society.

The opening movie samples, specifically the quote "You guys want to go and see a dead body," sets the tone for the song. It suggests a fascination with death and the macabre. The lyrics then delve into the gritty reality of street life, referencing drug use ("L.A. coke sniffing the greediest"), violence ("heart full of slugs"), and rebellion ("everyday is Mardi Gras").

The use of metaphors, such as comparing rhymes to elephant graveyards and battle raps to twisted tank barrels, conveys a sense of destruction and chaos. The artist's defiance is evident in lines like "I stomp through your gingerbread army" and "bouncing over here cause everyday is Mardi Gras." These lyrics reflect an individual who refuses to conform to societal expectations and embraces a rebellious lifestyle.

The repetition of the line "My raps are like zoo books in the dark with misfits" emphasizes a sense of being an outsider, surrounded by a world that doesn't understand or appreciate their artistic expression. The outro sample further solidifies this outsider status and suggests a descent into madness.

Overall, the song is a visceral portrayal of a rebellious and marginalized individual who uses the power of their art to push against societal norms. It conveys a message of defiance and the struggle to be heard and understood in a world that may reject and marginalize those who don't conform.