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{{short description|1998 single by Manic Street Preachers}}
{{Short description|1998 single by Manic Street Preachers}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2020}}
{{Use British English|date=September 2011}}
{{Use British English|date=September 2011}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2020}}
{{Infobox song
{{Infobox song
| name = If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next
| name = If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next
Line 9: Line 9:
| artist = [[Manic Street Preachers]]
| artist = [[Manic Street Preachers]]
| album = [[This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours]]
| album = [[This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours]]
| released = 24 August 1998
| released = {{start date|1998|8|24|df=y}}
| recorded =
| format = *[[compact Disc|CD]]
| studio = [[Rockfield Studios|Rockfield]] (Wales)
*[[Compact audio cassette|cassette]]
| recorded = January–May 1998
| genre =
* [[Alternative rock]]
| studio = [[Rockfield Studios]], [[Wales]]
* [[Britpop]]
| venue =
| genre = *[[Alternative rock]]
*[[Britpop]]
| length = 4:51
| length = 4:51
| label = [[Epic Records|Epic]]
| label = [[Epic Records|Epic]]
| composer =
| writer = *[[Nicky Wire|Nick Jones]]
*[[James Dean Bradfield]]
* [[James Dean Bradfield]]
*[[Sean Moore (musician)|Sean Moore]]
* [[Sean Moore (musician)|Sean Moore]]
| lyricist = [[Nicky Wire|Nick Jones]]
| producer = [[Dave Eringa]]
| producer = [[Dave Eringa]]
| prev_title = [[Australia (Manic Street Preachers song)|Australia]]
| prev_title = [[Australia (Manic Street Preachers song)|Australia]]
Line 27: Line 26:
| next_title = [[The Everlasting (song)|The Everlasting]]
| next_title = [[The Everlasting (song)|The Everlasting]]
| next_year = 1998
| next_year = 1998
| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|cX8szNPgrEs|"If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next"}}}}
}}
}}
{{listen |filename=If you tolerate this your children will be next.ogg |title="If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next"|description=Contrary to popular belief, there are no live strings on the record. The strings are instead produced by a synthesizer. |format=[[Ogg]]}}
{{listen |filename=If you tolerate this your children will be next.ogg |title="If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next"|description=Contrary to popular belief, there are no live strings on the record. The strings are instead produced by a Mellotron. |format=[[Ogg]]}}

"'''If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next'''" is a song by [[Wales|Welsh]] [[alternative rock]] band [[Manic Street Preachers]]. It was released on 24 August 1998, through [[Epic Records]] as the first single from their fifth studio album ''[[This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours]]''. The track sold 156,000 copies in its first week and reached number one on the [[UK Singles Chart]] in August 1998. Outside the United Kingdom, the song reached number one in Iceland and the top 20 in Norway and Sweden. It became the band's only song to chart in North America,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/films-videos-sound-recordings/rpm/Pages/list.aspx?OCRText=Manic+Street+Preachers&|title=Results: RPM Weekly – Manic Street Preachers|work=[[RPM (magazine)|RPM]]|publisher=[[Library and Archives Canada]]|accessdate=2 February 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/manic-street-preachers|title=Manic Street Preachers – Billboard|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|accessdate=2 February 2019}}</ref> peaking at number 19 on the Canadian [[Canadian rock/alternative chart|''RPM'' Alternative 30]] chart.
"'''If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next'''" is a song by Welsh [[alternative rock]] band [[Manic Street Preachers]]. It was released on 24 August 1998, through [[Epic Records]] as the first single from their fifth studio album, ''[[This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours]]'' (1998). The track sold 156,000 copies in its first week and reached number one on the [[UK Singles Chart]] in August 1998. Outside the United Kingdom, the song reached number one in Iceland and the top 20 in Norway and Sweden. It became the band's only song to chart in North America,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/films-videos-sound-recordings/rpm/Pages/list.aspx?OCRText=Manic+Street+Preachers&|title=Results: RPM Weekly – Manic Street Preachers|work=[[RPM (magazine)|RPM]]|date=17 July 2013 |publisher=[[Library and Archives Canada]]|access-date=2 February 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/manic-street-preachers|title=Manic Street Preachers – Billboard|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=2 February 2019}}</ref> peaking at number 19 on the Canadian [[Canadian rock/alternative chart|''RPM'' Alternative 30]] chart.


==Background==
==Background==
[[File:If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next - 1930s poster.jpg|thumb|alt=A propaganda poster reading "Madrid − The 'military' practice of the rebels" at the top, and "If you tolerate this your children will be next" at the bottom; in the middle, a photomontage of a dead young child under a formation of bomber aircraft|The 1930s poster that inspired the song's title]]
[[File:If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next - 1930s poster.jpg|thumb|alt=A propaganda poster reading "Madrid − The 'military' practice of the rebels" at the top, and "If you tolerate this your children will be next" at the bottom; in the middle, a photomontage of a dead young child under a formation of bomber aircraft|The 1930s poster that inspired the song's title]]


The song's theme is inspired by the [[Spanish Civil War]], and the idealism of [[Welsh people|Welsh]] volunteers who joined the left-wing [[International Brigades]] fighting for the [[Second Spanish Republic|Spanish Republic]] against [[Francisco Franco]]'s military rebels. The song takes its name from a Republican propaganda poster of the time written in English and displaying a photograph of a dead young child killed by the [[Nationalist faction (Spanish Civil War)|Nationalists]], under a sky filled with bomber aircraft, with the song's titular warning written at the bottom.<ref>An original print of this poster can be seen at the [[Imperial War Museum]], London—[http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/1122 Item IWM PST 8661]—as well as at the [[Herbert Southworth|Southworth Spanish Civil War Collection]] at the [[University of California, San Diego]].</ref>
The song's theme is inspired by the [[Spanish Civil War]], and the idealism of [[Welsh people|Welsh]] volunteers who joined the left-wing [[International Brigades]] fighting for the [[Second Spanish Republic|Spanish Republic]] against [[Francisco Franco]]'s military rebels. The song takes its name from a Republican propaganda poster of the time written in English and displaying a photograph of a child killed by the [[Nationalist faction (Spanish Civil War)|Nationalists]], under a sky filled with bomber aircraft, with the song's titular warning written at the bottom.<ref>An original print of this poster can be seen at the [[Imperial War Museum]], London—[http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/1122 Item IWM PST 8661]—as well as at the [[Herbert Southworth|Southworth Spanish Civil War Collection]] at the [[University of California, San Diego]].</ref>


Various real-life events from the Spanish Civil War provided inspiration for the lyrics. For example, the line "If I can shoot rabbits/then I can shoot fascists" is attributed to a remark made by a man to his brother who signed up with the Republican fighters. This was originally quoted in the book ''Miners Against Fascism'' by [[Hywel Francis]]. Another line, "I've walked [[Las Ramblas]]/but not with real intent", brings to mind the account in [[George Orwell]]'s first-hand account of the war, "[[Homage to Catalonia]]", of fighting on the Ramblas. According to Orwell the various factions were seemingly getting nowhere, with the fighting and often a sense of camaraderie overriding the vaunted principles each side was supposed to be fighting for. [[Nicky Wire]] has also acknowledged that he was also inspired by a song by [[The Clash]], "[[Spanish Bombs]]", which features a similar subject.<ref name="omnibus">{{cite book|last1=Power|first1=Martin|title=Manic Street Preachers|date=17 October 2010|publisher=Omnibus Press}}</ref>
[[Nicky Wire]] wrote the song's lyrics in [[Barcelona]]. He felt especially proud of coming up with the opening line: "The future teaches you to be alone, the present to be afraid and cold."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trendell |first=Andrew |date=2018-08-24 |title=Manic Street Preachers look back on 'If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next' on its 20th anniversary |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/manic-street-preachers-if-you-tolerate-this-your-children-will-be-next-lyrics-meaning-video-song-stories-interview-2370143 |access-date=2024-08-11 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}</ref> Various real-life events from the Spanish Civil War provided inspiration. For example, the line "If I can shoot rabbits/then I can shoot fascists" is attributed to a remark made by a man to his brother who signed up with the Republican fighters. This was originally quoted in the book ''Miners Against Fascism'' by [[Hywel Francis]]. Another line, "I've walked [[Las Ramblas]]/but not with real intent", brings to mind the account in [[George Orwell]]'s first-hand account of the war, ''[[Homage to Catalonia]]'' of fighting on the Ramblas. According to Orwell, the various factions were seemingly getting nowhere with the fighting and often a sense of camaraderie overriding the vaunted principles each side was supposed to be fighting for. Wire has also acknowledged that he was also inspired by a song by [[the Clash]], "[[Spanish Bombs]]", which features a similar subject.<ref name="omnibus">{{cite book|last1=Power|first1=Martin|title=Manic Street Preachers|date=17 October 2010|publisher=Omnibus Press}}</ref>


The song was not originally intended for inclusion on ''[[This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours]]''. It was recorded in a separate session from the rest of the album and was seen as a potential B-side; its original demo was described by bassist Nicky Wire as "crap."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/manic-street-preachers-if-you-tolerate-this-your-children-will-be-next-lyrics-meaning-video-song-stories-interview-2370143|title=Manic Street Preachers look back on 'If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next' on its 20th anniversary|website=Nme.com|date=24 August 2018|access-date=8 December 2021}}</ref>
==Release==
The single was released in August 1998 and it secured the number-one spot on the [[UK Singles Chart]]<ref name="uk"/> despite competition from "[[One for Sorrow (song)|One for Sorrow]]" by [[Steps (group)|Steps]], which was released the same day and topped the midweek chart.{{citation needed|date=February 2019}} It has sold more than 400,000 copies in the UK and has been certified [[Music recording sales certification|Gold]] by the [[British Phonographic Industry]] (BPI).<ref name="ukcert"/> It also became the group's biggest success on the [[Irish Singles Chart]], reaching number three,<ref name="ire"/> and is the only Manic Street Preachers track to be released as a single in the United States and Canada.<ref name="omnibus"/> Although it did not make it onto any US ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' chart, it became a moderate rock hit in Canada, peaking at number 19 on the [[Canadian rock/alternative chart|''RPM'' Alternative 30]] chart for two weeks in August 1999.<ref name="can"/>


==Release==
The single was also a success in Sweden where it reached number 21 and stayed in the chart for a total of 10 weeks.<ref name="swe"/> In Germany it reached number 79<ref name="ger"/> and in the Netherlands, number 62;<ref name="net"/> in both countries it remained on the charts for nine weeks. In Norway the song only charted for two weeks despite reaching number 19.<ref name="nor"/> It also reached number 49 in Australia and number 44 in New Zealand.<ref name="aus"/><ref name="nz"/>
The song was released in the United Kingdom on 24 August 1998 as two CD singles. The first disc includes versions of "Prologue to History" and "Montana/Autumn/78", and the second features a remix by [[Massive Attack]] and a mix by [[David Holmes (musician)|David Holmes]].<ref name="omnibus"/> Six days later, the single secured the number-one spot on the [[UK Singles Chart]] despite competition from "[[One for Sorrow (song)|One for Sorrow]]" by [[Steps (group)|Steps]], which was released the same day.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1998/Music-Week-1998-08-22.pdf|title=New Releases: Singles|magazine=[[Music Week]]|page=35|date=22 August 1998|access-date=12 July 2021}}</ref><ref name="uk"/> It has sold more than 600,000 copies in the UK and has been [[Music recording sales certification|certified]] platinum by the [[British Phonographic Industry]] (BPI).<ref name="ukcert"/> It also became the group's biggest success on the [[Irish Singles Chart]], reaching number three,<ref name="ire"/> and is the only Manic Street Preachers track to be released as a single in the United States and Canada.<ref name="omnibus"/> Although it did not appear on any US ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' chart, it became a moderate rock hit in Canada, peaking at number 19 on the [[Canadian rock/alternative chart|''RPM'' Alternative 30]] chart for two weeks in August 1999.<ref name="can"/>


The single was also a success in Sweden, where it reached number 21 and stayed in the chart for a total of 10 weeks.<ref name="swe"/> In Germany it reached number 79<ref name="ger"/> and in the Netherlands, number 62;<ref name="net"/> in both countries it remained on the charts for nine weeks. In Norway the song only charted for two weeks despite reaching number 19.<ref name="nor"/> It also reached number 49 in Australia and number 44 in New Zealand.<ref name="aus"/><ref name="nz"/> In Japan, the single was released on 26 August 1998.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/162994/products/105848/1/|title=輝ける世代のために {{!}} マニック・ストリート・プリーチャーズ|trans-title=For a Bright Generation {{!}} Manic Street Preachers|publisher=[[Oricon]]|language=ja|access-date=13 February 2024}}</ref> "If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next" was nominated in the category of Best British Single at the [[1999 Brit Awards|1999 BRIT Awards]], losing to "[[Angels (Robbie Williams song)|Angels]]" by [[Robbie Williams]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.brits.co.uk/history/shows/1999 |title=1999 |website=[[BRIT Awards|brits.co.uk]] |access-date=30 December 2014}}</ref>
Despite its success the song itself was not originally intended for the album, it was recorded in a separate session to the rest of the album and was seen as a potential B-side. Its original demo was described by bassist Nicky Wire as "crap"<ref>https://www.nme.com/news/music/manic-street-preachers-if-you-tolerate-this-your-children-will-be-next-lyrics-meaning-video-song-stories-interview-2370143</ref>


In March 2009, it was discovered that the song was used on the website of the [[British National Party]] as the [[soundtrack]] of an article describing "the violence, hatred, fragmentation and despair" wrought on [[London]] by the "great [[multiculturalism|multicultural]] experiment".<ref name="BNP">{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/mar/28/manic-street-preachers-bnp-website |title=Manics' Tribute to International Brigades Crops Up on BNP Website|last=Jones |first=Sam |date=28 March 2009 |work=[[The Guardian|guardian.co.uk]] |access-date=11 October 2012}}</ref> The choice of this song was considered ironic by many, considering the song contains lyrics such as "So if I can shoot rabbits/Then I can shoot fascists". Record company [[Sony]] successfully had the song removed from the site on the grounds of [[Copyright infringement|unauthorised use]].<ref name="BNP"/> The BNP later released a press statement claiming that "the song had mistakenly been automatically streamed on to its site and had nothing to do with the official party", and that "you can interpret the lyrics any way you want".<ref name="BNP"/>
The recording was issued as two CD singles: the first included versions of "Prologue to History" and "Montana/Autumn/78", and the second featured a remix by [[Massive Attack]] and a mix by [[David Holmes (musician)|David Holmes]].<ref name="omnibus"/>

In March 2009, it was discovered that the song was used on the website of the [[British National Party]] as the [[soundtrack]] of an article describing "the violence, hatred, fragmentation and despair" wrought on [[London]] by the "great [[multiculturalism|multicultural]] experiment".<ref name="BNP">{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/mar/28/manic-street-preachers-bnp-website |title=Manics' Tribute to International Brigades Crops Up on BNP Website|last=Jones |first=Sam |date=28 March 2009 |work=[[The Guardian|guardian.co.uk]] |accessdate=11 October 2012}}</ref> The choice of this song was considered ironic by many, considering the song contains lyrics such as "So if I can shoot rabbits/Then I can shoot fascists". Record company [[Sony]] successfully had the song removed from the site on the grounds of [[Copyright infringement|unauthorised use]].<ref name="BNP"/> The BNP later released a press statement claiming that "the song had mistakenly been automatically streamed on to its site and had nothing to do with the official party", and that "you can interpret the lyrics any way you want".<ref name="BNP"/>

"If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next" was nominated in the category of Best British Single at the [[1999 Brit Awards|1999 BRIT Awards]]. However, the award was won by [[Robbie Williams]] for [[Angels (Robbie Williams song)|Angels]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.brits.co.uk/history/shows/1999 |title=1999 |website=[[BRIT Awards|brits.co.uk]] |accessdate=30 December 2014}}</ref>


==Music video==
==Music video==
The melody of the socialist anthem, ''[[The Internationale]]'' can be heard at the start and end of the video, played on a [[musical box]]. This was a popular song on the Republican side during the Spanish Civil War.
The melody of the socialist anthem, "[[The Internationale]]" can be heard at the start and end of the video, played on a [[musical box]]. This was a popular song on the Republican side during the Spanish Civil War.


Wire praised the single's video, directed by [[W.I.Z.]]. It features a typical nuclear family but with their eyes, mouths and ears sealed over with a flesh toned applicant. The family seem to exist in a futuristic show room, fashioned into a highly clinical 'home' of sorts. Nicky Wire described the video as "surreal, mildly disturbing ... with a suffocating feel to it despite its brightness."<ref name="disc">{{Cite web|url=https://manicsdiscog.wordpress.com/2013/05/10/a100-if-you-tolerate-this-your-children-will-be-next/|title=[A100] 'If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next'|last=Andy Johnson|date=2013-05-10|website=Manic Street Preachers: A Critical Discography|language=en|access-date=2019-01-29}}</ref> It was the fourth and final video directed by W.I.Z. for the band.<ref name="disc"/>
Wire praised the single's video, directed by [[W.I.Z.]] It features a typical nuclear family but with their eyes, mouths and ears sealed over with a flesh toned applicant with James Dean Bradfield also having his eyes sealed over by the same applicant in the last few seconds of the video. The family seem to exist in a futuristic show room, fashioned into a highly clinical 'home' of sorts. Nicky Wire described the video as "surreal, mildly disturbing ... with a suffocating feel to it despite its brightness."<ref name="disc">{{Cite web|url=https://manicsdiscog.wordpress.com/2013/05/10/a100-if-you-tolerate-this-your-children-will-be-next/|title=[A100] 'If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next'|last=Andy Johnson|date=2013-05-10|website=Manic Street Preachers: A Critical Discography|language=en|access-date=29 January 2019}}</ref> It was the fourth and final video directed by W.I.Z. for the band.<ref name="disc"/>


==Legacy==
==Legacy==
The song is in the ''[[Guinness World Records]]'' as the number one single with the longest title without brackets.<ref name="omnibus"/> The song was voted number 20 on [[Channel 4]]'s "100 Greatest Number One Singles" list.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/channel4.htm |title=Rocklist.net...Channel 4/HMV Best Music of This Millennium |work=rocklistmusic.co.uk |access-date=11 October 2012}}</ref> The song was performed at the [[Concert for Ukraine]] by the band on 29 March 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-29 |title=Watch Manic Street Preachers perform 'If You Tolerate This' with an orchestra at 'Concert For Ukraine' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-manic-street-preachers-perform-if-you-tolerate-this-with-an-orchestra-at-concert-for-ukraine-3193504 |access-date=2022-04-01 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}</ref>
The song is in the ''[[Guinness World Records]]'' as the number one single with the longest title without brackets.<ref name="omnibus"/>


==Track listings==
The song was voted number 20 on [[Channel 4]]'s "100 Greatest Number One Singles" list.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/channel4.htm |title=Rocklist.net...Channel 4/HMV Best Music of This Millennium |work=rocklistmusic.co.uk |accessdate=11 October 2012}}</ref>
All music was written by [[James Dean Bradfield]] and [[Sean Moore (musician)|Sean Moore]] except where indicated. All lyrics were written by [[Nicky Wire|Nick Jones]] except where indicated.

==Track listing==
All music written by [[James Dean Bradfield]] and [[Sean Moore (musician)|Sean Moore]]; except where indicated.
All lyrics written by [[Nicky Wire|Nick Jones]]; except where indicated.


{{track listing
{{track listing
| headline = UK CD1<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next|author=[[Manic Street Preachers]]|year=1998|type=UK CD1 liner notes|publisher=[[Epic Records]]|id=666345 2}}</ref>
| headline = CD one
| title1 = If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next
| title1 = If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next
| length1 = 4:51
| length1 = 4:50
| title2 = Prologue to History
| title2 = Prologue to History
| length2 = 4:44
| length2 = 4:43
| title3 = Montana/Autumn/78
| title3 = Montana/Autumn/78
| length3 = 3:12
| length3 = 3:12
Line 76: Line 70:


{{track listing
{{track listing
| headline = UK CD2<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next|author=Manic Street Preachers|year=1998|type=UK CD2 liner notes|publisher=Epic Records|id=666345 5}}</ref>
| headline = CD two
| title1 = If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next
| title1 = If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next
| length1 = 4:50
| length1 = 4:50
Line 88: Line 82:


{{track listing
{{track listing
| headline = UK cassette single<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next|author=Manic Street Preachers|year=1998|type=UK cassette single sleeve|publisher=Epic Records|id=666345 4}}</ref>
| headline = Cassette
| title1 = If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next
| title1 = If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next
| length1 = 4:50
| length1 = 4:50
Line 96: Line 90:
}}
}}


==Charts and certifications==
==Credits and personnel==
Credits are lifted from the ''This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours'' album booklet.<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours|title-link=This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours|author=Manic Street Preachers|year=1998|type=UK CD album booklet|publisher=Epic Records|id=491703 2}}</ref>

'''Studios'''
* Recorded at [[Rockfield Studios]] (Wales)
* Mixed at [[Air Lyndhurst|AIR Studios]] (London, England)

'''Personnel'''
* [[James Dean Bradfield]] – music, vocals, acoustic guitar, [[Twelve-string guitar|12-string guitar]]
* [[Sean Moore (musician)|Sean Moore]] – music, drums
* [[Nicky Wire]] – lyrics (as Nick Jones), bass
* Nick Nasmyth – [[Wurlitzer electronic piano|Wurlitzer]], [[Hammond organ|Hammond]], [[Mellotron]]
* Andy Duncan – percussion
* [[Dave Eringa]] – production, engineering, mixing
* Lee Butler – production and engineering assistant
* Jon Bailey – mixing assistant

==Charts==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}


===Weekly charts===
===Weekly charts===
{|class="wikitable sortable"
{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+Weekly chart performance for "If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next"
!Chart (1998–1999)
!scope="col"|Chart (1998–1999)
!Peak<br>position
!scope="col"|Peak<br />position
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Australia|49|artist=Manic Street Preachers|song=If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next|refname="aus"}}
{{single chart|Australia|49|artist=Manic Street Preachers|song=If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next|rowheader=true|refname="aus"}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Flanders Tip|13|artist=Manic Street Preachers|song=If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next}}
{{single chart|Flanders Tip|13|artist=Manic Street Preachers|song=If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next|rowheader=true}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Canadarock|19|chartid=8368|accessdate=2 February 2019|refname="can"}}
{{single chart|Canadarock|19|chartid=8368|rowheader=true|access-date=2 February 2019|refname="can"}}
|-
|-
|Europe ([[European Hot 100 Singles|Eurochart Hot 100]])<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1998/MM-1998-09-12.pdf|title=Eurochart Hot 100 Singles|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|volume=15|issue=37|page=8|date=12 September 1998|access-date=26 January 2020}}</ref>
!scope="row"|Europe ([[European Hot 100 Singles|Eurochart Hot 100]])<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1998/MM-1998-09-12.pdf|title=Eurochart Hot 100 Singles|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|volume=15|issue=37|page=8|date=12 September 1998|access-date=26 January 2020}}</ref>
|9
|align="center"|9
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Germany2|79|songid=8072|artist=Manic Street Preachers|song=If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next|accessdate=2 February 2019|refname="ger"}}
{{single chart|Germany|79|artist=Manic Street Preachers|song=If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next|songid=8072|rowheader=true|access-date=2 February 2019|refname="ger"}}
|-
|-
|Iceland ([[Íslenski listinn|Íslenski Listinn Topp 40]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timarit.is/view_page_init.jsp?issId=198316&pageId=2974587&lang=is&q=EVERLAST|title=Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 (24.9–1.10. 1998)|work=[[DV (newspaper)|Dagblaðið Vísir]]|language=Icelandic|date=25 September 1998|accessdate=4 October 2019}}</ref>
!scope="row"|Iceland ([[Íslenski listinn|Íslenski Listinn Topp 40]])<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timarit.is/page/2974587#page/n9/mode/2up|title=Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 (24.9–1.10. 1998)|newspaper=[[DV (newspaper)|Dagblaðið Vísir]]|language=is|page=10|date=25 September 1998|access-date=4 October 2019}}</ref>
|1
|align="center"|1
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Ireland2|3|song=If You Tolerate This Your Children......|accessdate=2 February 2019|refname="ire"}}
{{single chart|Ireland2|3|song=If You Tolerate This Your Children......|rowheader=true|access-date=2 February 2019|refname="ire"}}
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Netherlands ([[Dutch Top 40|Dutch Top 40 Tipparade]])<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.top40.nl/tipparade/1998/week-45|title=Tipparade-lijst van week 45, 1998|publisher=[[Dutch Top 40]]|language=nl|access-date=March 31, 2023}}</ref>
{{singlechart|Dutch100|62|artist=Manic Street Preachers|song=If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next|refname="net"}}
|7
|-
|-
{{singlechart|New Zealand|44|artist=Manic Street Preachers|song=If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next|refname="nz"}}
{{single chart|Dutch100|62|artist=Manic Street Preachers|song=If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next|rowheader=true|refname="net"}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Norway|19|artist=Manic Street Preachers|song=If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next|refname="nor"}}
{{single chart|New Zealand|44|artist=Manic Street Preachers|song=If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next|rowheader=true|refname="nz"}}
|-
|-
{{single chart|Norway|19|artist=Manic Street Preachers|song=If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next|rowheader=true|refname="nor"}}
{{singlechart|Scotland|3|date=19980905|accessdate=2 February 2019}}
|-
|-
{{single chart|Scotland|3|date=19980905|rowheader=true|access-date=2 February 2019}}
{{singlechart|Sweden|21|artist=Manic Street Preachers|song=If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next|refname="swe"}}
|-
|-
{{single chart|Sweden|21|artist=Manic Street Preachers|song=If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next|rowheader=true|refname="swe"}}
{{singlechart|UK|1|date=19980905|accessdate=2 February 2019|refname="uk"}}
|-
{{single chart|UK|1|date=19980905|rowheader=true|access-date=2 February 2019|refname="uk"}}
|}
|}
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}


===Year-end charts===
===Year-end charts===
{|class="wikitable"
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+Year-end chart performance for "If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next"
!Chart (1998)
!scope="col"|Chart (1998)
!Position
!scope="col"|Position
|-
|-
|Iceland (Íslenski Listinn Topp 40)<ref>{{cite newspaper|url=https://timarit.is/page/2978871?iabr=on#page/n29/mode/2up|title=Íslenski Listinn Topp 100 – Vinsælustu Lögin '98|newspaper=[[DV (newspaper)|Dagblaðið Vísir]]|language=Icelandic|page=34|date=2 January 1999|access-date=8 February 2020}}</ref>
!scope="row"|Iceland (Íslenski Listinn Topp 40)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timarit.is/page/2978871?iabr=on#page/n29/mode/2up|title=Íslenski Listinn Topp 100 – Vinsælustu Lögin '98|newspaper=Dagblaðið Vísir|language=is|page=34|date=2 January 1999|access-date=8 February 2020}}</ref>
|3
|align="center"|3
|-
|-
|UK Singles (Official Charts Company)<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Best Sellers of 1998 – Singles Top 100|magazine=[[Music Week]]|page=7|date=16 January 1999}}</ref>
!scope="row"|UK Singles (OCC)<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Best Sellers of 1998 – Singles Top 100|magazine=Music Week|page=7|date=16 January 1999}}</ref>
|46
|align="center"|46
|}
|}
{{col-end}}


===Certifications===
==Certifications==
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for "If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=single|award=Gold|artist=Manic Street Preachers|title=If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next|relyear=1998|certyear=2016|refname="ukcert"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=single|artist=Manic Street Preachers|title=If You Tolerate This Your Children|award=Platinum|relyear=1998|certyear=2016|id=13779-120-1|access-date=8 April 2022|refname="ukcert"}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|noshipments=true|streaming=true}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|noshipments=true|streaming=true}}
{{col-end}}


==Covers==
==Covers==
Line 158: Line 174:
==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{MetroLyrics song|manic-street-preachers|if-you-tolerate-this-your-children-will-be-next}}<!-- Licensed lyrics provider -->
* {{YouTube|cX8szNPgrEs}}


{{Manic Street Preachers}}
{{Manic Street Preachers}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1990s ballads]]
[[Category:1998 singles]]
[[Category:1998 singles]]
[[Category:Epic Records singles]]
[[Category:Manic Street Preachers songs]]
[[Category:Manic Street Preachers songs]]
[[Category:UK Singles Chart number-one singles]]
[[Category:Number-one singles in Iceland]]
[[Category:Number-one singles in Iceland]]
[[Category:Anti-war songs]]
[[Category:1990s ballads]]
[[Category:Rock ballads]]
[[Category:Rock ballads]]
[[Category:Song recordings produced by Dave Eringa]]
[[Category:Songs written by James Dean Bradfield]]
[[Category:Songs written by James Dean Bradfield]]
[[Category:Songs written by Nicky Wire]]
[[Category:Songs written by Sean Moore (musician)]]
[[Category:Songs written by Sean Moore (musician)]]
[[Category:Song recordings produced by Dave Eringa]]
[[Category:UK Singles Chart number-one singles]]
[[Category:Songs written by Nicky Wire]]

Revision as of 04:16, 11 August 2024

"If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next"
Single by Manic Street Preachers
from the album This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours
Released24 August 1998 (1998-08-24)
StudioRockfield (Wales)
Genre
Length4:51
LabelEpic
Composer(s)
Lyricist(s)Nick Jones
Producer(s)Dave Eringa
Manic Street Preachers singles chronology
"Australia"
(1996) 		"If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next"
(1998) 		"The Everlasting"
(1998)
Music video
"If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next" on YouTube
"If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next"
Contrary to popular belief, there are no live strings on the record. The strings are instead produced by a Mellotron.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next" is a song by Welsh alternative rock band Manic Street Preachers. It was released on 24 August 1998, through Epic Records as the first single from their fifth studio album, This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours (1998). The track sold 156,000 copies in its first week and reached number one on the UK Singles Chart in August 1998. Outside the United Kingdom, the song reached number one in Iceland and the top 20 in Norway and Sweden. It became the band's only song to chart in North America,[1][2] peaking at number 19 on the Canadian RPM Alternative 30 chart.

Background

A propaganda poster reading "Madrid − The 'military' practice of the rebels" at the top, and "If you tolerate this your children will be next" at the bottom; in the middle, a photomontage of a dead young child under a formation of bomber aircraft
The 1930s poster that inspired the song's title

The song's theme is inspired by the Spanish Civil War, and the idealism of Welsh volunteers who joined the left-wing International Brigades fighting for the Spanish Republic against Francisco Franco's military rebels. The song takes its name from a Republican propaganda poster of the time written in English and displaying a photograph of a child killed by the Nationalists, under a sky filled with bomber aircraft, with the song's titular warning written at the bottom.[3]

Nicky Wire wrote the song's lyrics in Barcelona. He felt especially proud of coming up with the opening line: "The future teaches you to be alone, the present to be afraid and cold."[4] Various real-life events from the Spanish Civil War provided inspiration. For example, the line "If I can shoot rabbits/then I can shoot fascists" is attributed to a remark made by a man to his brother who signed up with the Republican fighters. This was originally quoted in the book Miners Against Fascism by Hywel Francis. Another line, "I've walked Las Ramblas/but not with real intent", brings to mind the account in George Orwell's first-hand account of the war, Homage to Catalonia of fighting on the Ramblas. According to Orwell, the various factions were seemingly getting nowhere with the fighting and often a sense of camaraderie overriding the vaunted principles each side was supposed to be fighting for. Wire has also acknowledged that he was also inspired by a song by the Clash, "Spanish Bombs", which features a similar subject.[5]

The song was not originally intended for inclusion on This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours. It was recorded in a separate session from the rest of the album and was seen as a potential B-side; its original demo was described by bassist Nicky Wire as "crap."[6]

Release

The song was released in the United Kingdom on 24 August 1998 as two CD singles. The first disc includes versions of "Prologue to History" and "Montana/Autumn/78", and the second features a remix by Massive Attack and a mix by David Holmes.[5] Six days later, the single secured the number-one spot on the UK Singles Chart despite competition from "One for Sorrow" by Steps, which was released the same day.[7][8] It has sold more than 600,000 copies in the UK and has been certified platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).[9] It also became the group's biggest success on the Irish Singles Chart, reaching number three,[10] and is the only Manic Street Preachers track to be released as a single in the United States and Canada.[5] Although it did not appear on any US Billboard chart, it became a moderate rock hit in Canada, peaking at number 19 on the RPM Alternative 30 chart for two weeks in August 1999.[11]

The single was also a success in Sweden, where it reached number 21 and stayed in the chart for a total of 10 weeks.[12] In Germany it reached number 79[13] and in the Netherlands, number 62;[14] in both countries it remained on the charts for nine weeks. In Norway the song only charted for two weeks despite reaching number 19.[15] It also reached number 49 in Australia and number 44 in New Zealand.[16][17] In Japan, the single was released on 26 August 1998.[18] "If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next" was nominated in the category of Best British Single at the 1999 BRIT Awards, losing to "Angels" by Robbie Williams.[19]

In March 2009, it was discovered that the song was used on the website of the British National Party as the soundtrack of an article describing "the violence, hatred, fragmentation and despair" wrought on London by the "great multicultural experiment".[20] The choice of this song was considered ironic by many, considering the song contains lyrics such as "So if I can shoot rabbits/Then I can shoot fascists". Record company Sony successfully had the song removed from the site on the grounds of unauthorised use.[20] The BNP later released a press statement claiming that "the song had mistakenly been automatically streamed on to its site and had nothing to do with the official party", and that "you can interpret the lyrics any way you want".[20]

Music video

The melody of the socialist anthem, "The Internationale" can be heard at the start and end of the video, played on a musical box. This was a popular song on the Republican side during the Spanish Civil War.

Wire praised the single's video, directed by W.I.Z. It features a typical nuclear family but with their eyes, mouths and ears sealed over with a flesh toned applicant with James Dean Bradfield also having his eyes sealed over by the same applicant in the last few seconds of the video. The family seem to exist in a futuristic show room, fashioned into a highly clinical 'home' of sorts. Nicky Wire described the video as "surreal, mildly disturbing ... with a suffocating feel to it despite its brightness."[21] It was the fourth and final video directed by W.I.Z. for the band.[21]

Legacy

The song is in the Guinness World Records as the number one single with the longest title without brackets.[5] The song was voted number 20 on Channel 4's "100 Greatest Number One Singles" list.[22] The song was performed at the Concert for Ukraine by the band on 29 March 2022.[23]

Track listings

All music was written by James Dean Bradfield and Sean Moore except where indicated. All lyrics were written by Nick Jones except where indicated.

UK CD1[24]
No.TitleLength
1."If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next"4:50
2."Prologue to History"4:43
3."Montana/Autumn/78"3:12
UK CD2[25]
No.TitleLength
1."If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next"4:50
2."If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next" (Massive Attack remix)4:54
3."If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next" (David Holmes remix/The Class Reunion of the Sunset Marquis mix)10:02
UK cassette single[26]
No.TitleLength
1."If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next"4:50
2."Kevin Carter" (live at Manchester NYNEX, 24 May 1997) (lyrics: Richey James)3:22

Credits and personnel

Credits are lifted from the This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours album booklet.[27]

Studios

Personnel

Charts

Certifications

Certifications for "If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI)[9] Platinum 600,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Covers

The song was covered by David Usher on his 2003 album Hallucinations. DJ Eric Chase also recorded a cover of the song in December 2009.[5] Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke occasionally sang portions of the song during live performances of "Everything in Its Right Place" during Radiohead's 2001 tour.[5]

References

  1. ^ "Results: RPM Weekly – Manic Street Preachers". RPM. Library and Archives Canada. 17 July 2013. Retrieved 2 February 2019.
  2. ^ "Manic Street Preachers – Billboard". Billboard. Retrieved 2 February 2019.
  3. ^ An original print of this poster can be seen at the Imperial War Museum, London—Item IWM PST 8661—as well as at the Southworth Spanish Civil War Collection at the University of California, San Diego.
  4. ^ Trendell, Andrew (24 August 2018). "Manic Street Preachers look back on 'If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next' on its 20th anniversary". NME. Retrieved 11 August 2024.
  5. ^ a b c d e f Power, Martin (17 October 2010). Manic Street Preachers. Omnibus Press.
  6. ^ "Manic Street Preachers look back on 'If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next' on its 20th anniversary". Nme.com. 24 August 2018. Retrieved 8 December 2021.
  7. ^ "New Releases: Singles" (PDF). Music Week. 22 August 1998. p. 35. Retrieved 12 July 2021.
  8. ^ a b "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2 February 2019.
  9. ^ a b "British single certifications – Manic Street Preachers – If You Tolerate This Your Children". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 8 April 2022.
  10. ^ a b "The Irish Charts – Search Results – If You Tolerate This Your Children......". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 2 February 2019.
  11. ^ a b "Top RPM Rock/Alternative Tracks: Issue 8368." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 2 February 2019.
  12. ^ a b "Manic Street Preachers – If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next". Singles Top 100.
  13. ^ a b "Manic Street Preachers – If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 2 February 2019.
  14. ^ a b "Manic Street Preachers – If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  15. ^ a b "Manic Street Preachers – If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next". VG-lista.
  16. ^ a b "Manic Street Preachers – If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
  17. ^ a b "Manic Street Preachers – If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next". Top 40 Singles.
  18. ^ "輝ける世代のために | マニック・ストリート・プリーチャーズ" [For a Bright Generation | Manic Street Preachers] (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
  19. ^ "1999". brits.co.uk. Retrieved 30 December 2014.
  20. ^ a b c Jones, Sam (28 March 2009). "Manics' Tribute to International Brigades Crops Up on BNP Website". guardian.co.uk. Retrieved 11 October 2012.
  21. ^ a b Andy Johnson (10 May 2013). "[A100] 'If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next'". Manic Street Preachers: A Critical Discography. Retrieved 29 January 2019.
  22. ^ "Rocklist.net...Channel 4/HMV Best Music of This Millennium". rocklistmusic.co.uk. Retrieved 11 October 2012.
  23. ^ "Watch Manic Street Preachers perform 'If You Tolerate This' with an orchestra at 'Concert For Ukraine'". NME. 29 March 2022. Retrieved 1 April 2022.
  24. ^ Manic Street Preachers (1998). If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next (UK CD1 liner notes). Epic Records. 666345 2.
  25. ^ Manic Street Preachers (1998). If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next (UK CD2 liner notes). Epic Records. 666345 5.
  26. ^ Manic Street Preachers (1998). If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next (UK cassette single sleeve). Epic Records. 666345 4.
  27. ^ Manic Street Preachers (1998). This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours (UK CD album booklet). Epic Records. 491703 2.
  28. ^ "Manic Street Preachers – If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next" (in Dutch). Ultratip.
  29. ^ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 15, no. 37. 12 September 1998. p. 8. Retrieved 26 January 2020.
  30. ^ "Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 (24.9–1.10. 1998)". Dagblaðið Vísir (in Icelandic). 25 September 1998. p. 10. Retrieved 4 October 2019.
  31. ^ "Tipparade-lijst van week 45, 1998" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 31 March 2023.
  32. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2 February 2019.
  33. ^ "Íslenski Listinn Topp 100 – Vinsælustu Lögin '98". Dagblaðið Vísir (in Icelandic). 2 January 1999. p. 34. Retrieved 8 February 2020.
  34. ^ "Best Sellers of 1998 – Singles Top 100". Music Week. 16 January 1999. p. 7.
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