"Unring The Bell" by Gov't Mule is a politically charged song that questions the state of freedom, the actions of those in power, and the need for change. The lyrics suggest that freedom may be lost or losing its value, questioning if it is buried in the Earth or if it is still growing. The song also criticizes the people who remain apathetic or disconnected from the issues at hand. The line "And where were all your people when they burned your building down? / Too busy fighting their own war in their own town" suggests that individuals may be too caught up in their own struggles and conflicts to come together and address larger societal problems. The chorus, "Unring the bell, it's time, it's time / Take back what we had, it's yours and mine," urges for action and reclaiming what has been lost. It is a call to undo the harm that has been done and restore what once belonged to the people. The song also touches on themes of inequality and the mistreatment of marginalized communities. The reference to the "New Jim Crow, different shades of brown" highlights the ongoing struggles faced by people of color in society. The line "Blood spills red on ancient hallowed ground" reinforces the idea of violence and injustice that persists despite the history and significance of the affected areas. There is also a critique of misplaced priorities and the misuse of resources. The line "Flying machines send missiles to the moon / While Babylon is burning in the pale afternoon" juxtaposes the extravagant pursuits of those in power with the destruction and suffering happening on the ground. The song concludes with the plea to "unring the bell" before it's too late, suggesting that reversing the damage caused by hate and division is essential. The mention of "fake liberty" highlights the need to challenge false notions of freedom and confront the underlying hate and prejudice that perpetuate such injustices. Overall, "Unring The Bell" is a call for awareness, unity, and action in the face of political and social turmoil. It urges the listener to question the status quo, engage in meaningful change, and strive for a society that upholds true liberty and equality.
