Civilized In a Savage World

from Fusion Frequency by Man After Midnight

	/

about

Civilized was inspired by a vibe I got from a beautiful old song by UK called "Rendezvous 6:02," even though the end result doesn't resemble it at all. That's how it often works with me. It has quite an intricate arrangement: four layered arpeggios, lots of African percussion in the background and a very unusual chord progression in the chorus. The lyrics are about growing up in a safe environment and gradually realizing that the adult world isn't as grown-up as you expect it to be. The key to nailing that realization from back in my early twenties was to write it like a father's warning to his son.

lyrics

Born on a small street in a small town
Your parents tried to raise you well
They taught you how to be a good boy
And gave you a band-aid when you fell

At junior high the teasing started
With bullies driving you to tears
Smelling blood they mocked your innocence
You learned to cope throughout the years

You’re civilized in a savage world
Watch your step out of the comfort zone
You’re civilized in a savage world
All grown up and all alone

And finally the day had come
For you to boldly leave the nest
No more foolish games--that’s what you thought
Which proved you wiser than the rest

Here’s the thing about maturity
You’ll wish you never joined the club
Adults behave like kids sometimes
We show our age but won’t grow up

You’re civilized in a savage world
Watch your step out of the comfort zone
You’re civilized in a savage world
All grown up and all alone

All grown up and all alone
All grown up
All grown up and all alone
All grown up
All grown up and all alone

credits

from Fusion Frequency, released May 19, 2013

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about

Man After Midnight The Netherlands

Filmmaker by day, musician by night. Former-frontman of Rotterdam funk sensation Dirty Laundry. Out from the dark and in need of a shave. Man After Midnight is Peet Gelderblom.

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