Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: grindcore
Song Meaning of “Extremity Retained” by Napalm Death
The song is a powerful reflection on the horrors of war, and the cruel reality of an endless cycle of violence between humans. The title “Extremity Retained” alludes to the extreme measures required to end this cycle, including sacrificing personal liberty for a greater cause. This is mirrored in the lyrics, which explore the idea of how wars are motivated by a longing for resources, for power and control. The message of the song is that there can be no real end to suffering or pain until we all take action and find a way to both survive and thrive. The song expresses the ever-present need to fight to maintain our humanity despite the violence that surrounds us. This fight is necessary to prevent ourselves from becoming numb to the injustice of war. With lyrics like “There’s nothing left to retain in denying we can remain,” the song imagines a future in which contentment and peace is possible despite the darkness that war has cast. Ultimately, the song speaks to the need to remain steadfast in one’s fight for justice and freedom, and to not give up hope even when humanity’s capacity for destruction is seemingly infinite.