A More Perfect Union

Titus Andronicus

About A More Perfect Union

"A More Perfect Union" is a 2010 song by New Jersey-based punk rock band Titus Andronicus, the lead track from their second album, The Monitor. The song is 7 minutes and 10 seconds long, and begins with a recording of Abraham Lincoln's Lyceum address. The song ends with another spoken-word segment, taken from an article written by William Lloyd Garrison in the first issue of The Liberator, published in 1831.


Year:
2010
7:09
113 

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"Are we ready to go?"

"From whence shall we expect the approach of danger? 
Shall some transatlantic giant step the earth and crush us at a blow? 
Never! All the armies of Europe and Asia could not, by force
Take a drink from the Ohio River
Or set a track on the Blue Ridge in the trial of a thousand years
If destruction be our lot, we ourselves must be its author and finisher
As a nation of free men, we will live forever, or die by suicide"

There'll be no more counting the cars on the Garden State Parkway
Nor waiting for the Fung Wah bus to carry me to who-knows-where
And when I stand tonight, 'neath the lights of the Fenway
Will I not yell like hell for the glory of the Newark Bears?
Because where I'm going to now, no one can ever hurt me
Where the well of human hatred is shallow and dry
No, I never wanted to change the world, but I'm looking for a new New Jersey
Because tramps like us, baby, we were born to die

I'm doing 70 on 17, I'm doing 80 over 84
And I never let the Meritt Parkway magnetize me no more
Give me a brutal Somerville summer
Give me a cruel New England winter
Give me the great Pine Barrens
So I can see them turned into splinters
'Cause if I come in on a donkey, let me go out on a gurney
I want to realize too late I never should have left New Jersey
Whoa-oh-oh-oh, whoa-oh-oh-oh
La da da da da da da da da da da, yeah! Yeah!
Whoa-oh-oh-oh, whoa-oh-oh-oh

I sense the enemy, they're rustling around in the trees
I thought I had gotten away but they followed me to 02143
Woe, oh woe is me, no one knows the trouble I see
When they hang Jeff Davis from a sourapple tree
I'll sit beneath the leaves and weep
None of us shall be saved, every man will be a slave
For John Brown's body lies a'mouldring in the grave and there's rumblings down in the caves
So if it's time for choosing sides, and to show this dirty city how we do the Jersey Slide
And if they deserve a better class of criminal, then I'm'a give it to them tonight
So we'll rally around the flag, rally around the flag
Rally around the flag, boys, rally once again, shouting the Battle Cry of Freedom
Rally around the flag, rally around the flag
Glory, glory, Hallelujah, His truth is marching on

"I will be as harsh as truth and as uncompromising as justice
On this subject, I do not wish to think, or speak, or write with moderation
I am in earnest
I will not equivocate, I will not excuse
I will not retreat a single inch, and I will be heard"

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Titus Andronicus

Titus Andronicus is a punk/indie rock band from Glen Rock, New Jersey, United States, formed in 2005. The band is composed of singer/lyricist/guitarist Patrick Stickles, bassist Julian Veronesi, guitarist Liam Betson, and drummer Eric Harm. The group takes its name from the Shakespeare play Titus Andronicus, and has cited musical and stylistic influences as diverse as Neutral Milk Hotel and Pulp. more »

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Written by: Patrick Stickles

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Album Debut
"A More Perfect Union" is the opening track off of Titus Andronicus' second studio album "The Monitor" released in 2010.
Based on Civil War Themes
The song, along with the entire album, is based on themes from the American Civil War with many song titles referencing historical Civil War figures and events.
Unique Style
The song is a blend of punk rock and indie rock genres, showcasing the band’s signature style of rowdy, emotive punk with thoughtful lyrics.
Vocal Depth
The song features raspy vocals from lead singer Patrick Stickles which adds to the song's raw, energetic feel.
Historical Reference
The title "A More Perfect Union" draws from the preamble to the U.S. Constitution, alluding to the historical context of the album.
Political Symbolism
The lyrics offer a timely discourse about America’s political climate, embodying the narrative of unity, conflict, and progression.
Lengthy Track
"A More Perfect Union" is about seven minutes long, highlighting the band's penchant for longer rock tracks.
Critical Praise
The song received critical acclaim for its ambitious sound, well-crafted lyrics, and unique subject material.
Creative Experiment
The band uses the track as a vehicle to experiment stylistically, mixing quieter sections with explosive, anthemic choruses.
Impactful Opening
The song begins with the sound of a needle dropping onto a record before bursting into energetic punk rock, setting the tone for the rest of the album.
Live Performances
It is frequently performed live by the band, often opening their concerts. The passionate performances further emphasize the song's raw energy.
Fan Favorite
"A More Perfect Union" remains a fan favorite, standing out as one of Titus Andronicus' most popular songs.
Inspirational Appeal
The lyrics, "I never wanted to change the world, but I'm looking for a new New Jersey," have been interpreted as a call to individual action and personal growth.

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