What does Elective Amnesia mean?

Rise Against: Elective Amnesia Meaning

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Album cover for Elective Amnesia album cover

Elective Amnesia Lyrics

We don't sleep very much.
These triggers ache for the touch.
Where's the strength we relied on?
Here alone, like a crutch
Maybe that's what keeps us up
All the night with a light on...

glowing screams simulate
lives that no longer...

  1. anonymous
    click a star to vote
    Dec 17th 2014 !⃝

    I believe it has to do with both life decisions and drug addiction. "Pills to arouse or sedate", and "We can't let go" obciously show addiction. I guess that it also has a bit of freedom vs the right decision in it. Often in life, making the right decision includes being disciplined, and is less fun(like deciding not to go to that party in order to prepare for a college exam, job interview, as an example). The term elective amnesia, however, seems to be defending that addiction. I imagine it as saying: "I can forget about how stressful this particular tough and boring decision was by using drugs. I'll do what's right, but I NEED THIS or else I can't bear the stress, hardship, and boredom that comes with it."
    The lyrics: "we explode into the darkest of nights", "to let go is to be finally free", and "to let go is to be finally free", as well as "between life and convenience" and "with everything comes a price" all show I guess yet another defense of drugs. It's addictive, and (Not from my experience, but I have a couple friends that say so) incredibly fun, though it more often than not leads to some terrible decisions(both present and for future). Basically, it can light up any of your days, but the "Price" can be severe, and vice versa for making all the right decisions(often more physically and mentally taxing). Life is all about choices(though this song has a heavy focus on drug addiction, the message is still there).

  2. anonymous
    click a star to vote
    Apr 4th 2012 !⃝

    i think its about how america is changing


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