“The Torture Flame” by Nigel Nicholls is a dark commentary on authoritarianism and the suppression of free thought. It depicts a dystopian world where dissent is punished through fear and violence. The “torture flame” symbolizes the harsh consequences of defiance and the cruelty used to enforce control and obedience.
Dim the light
Dowse the flame
Hide your thoughts
You’re not to blame
Heat the seal
Tie the knot
Secrets kill
It’s always the same
There’s no right
To your thoughts
It’s prescribed
No drawing lots
Believe what we
Say is true
Or we’ll cut you deep
We’ll bleed you blue
Repent your sins
They’re clear to see
We’ll string you up
By your knees
You’re not free to think
Not free to act
Answers mean nothing
To the facts
Don’t dare to hide
Don’t try to cry
Our minds decide
If you die
Sink or swim
The ends the same
You’ll end up over
The torture flame
The torture flame
Hope and glory
Trust and faith
Words to steal
Words to hate
Try to escape
Don’t try to blame
or you’ll end up over
The Torture flame
Repent your sins
They’re clear to see
We’ll string you up
By your knees
You’re not free to think
Not free to act
Answers mean nothing
To the facts
Don’t dare to hide
Don’t try to cry
Our minds decide
If you die
Sink or swim
The ends the same
You’ll end up over
The torture flame
Repent your sins
They’re clear to see
We’ll string you up
By your knees
You’re not free to think
Not free to act
Answers mean nothing
To the facts
Don’t dare to hide
Don’t try to cry
Our minds decide
If you die
Sink or swim
The ends the same
You’ll end up over
The torture flame
