Hawkwind：Meaning of Shot Down In The Night Songmeaning

The song Shot Down In The Night by Hawkwind is about the control exerted by a superpower over its people. The lyrics describe how individuals are just numbers waiting in a line and how they are camouflaged, trying to blend in with their surroundings. They act tough until they start to break under the pressure of their situation. The secret of this power is only known to a few, and the rest of the population is kept in the dark. The people are constantly monitored and any resistance to this authority is met with violence. The chorus speaks of people being shot down like animals and running away like rats from a factory. The oppressed are pushed to the "twilight zone" where they can only feed on their needs until they're finally overthrown. The lyrics suggest that there is hope for change, with the line "You can break the lock and turn on the light?" implying that there is a way to change the situation. However, the danger is real and those attempting to resist will be met with violence and possibly death. The song encourages individuals to see through the lies and join the ranks to see the world and the dirty tricks that those in power use to maintain their control. It ultimately speaks of the fall of the Human race if this power is allowed to continue unchecked.