Self-righteousness is wearing thin(Lies inside your head, your best friend)Heart bleeds but not for fellow men

I've had enoughIt's time for something realI don't respect the words you're speakingGone too farA clone

So how does it feel to know that someone's kidIn the heart of America has blood on their handsFighting to defend your rightsSo you can maintain a lifestyleThat insults his family's existenceWell, where I'm from we have a specialSalute that we aim high in the airTowards all those pompous assholesWho spend their days pointing fingers(Fuck you)

Shhh quiet might piss somebody offLike the heartbeat of this country when antagonized too longI'll be damned if you count me in as part of your generous hypocrisyCollecting enemies

👉 For more insights, check out this resource.

Tabloid gossip queen worthless man(There's no need for us to bury you)Selfish agenda once again(Right this way you've dug your own grave)

I've had enoughIt's time for something realI don't respect the words you're speakingGone too farA clone

👉 Discover more in this in-depth guide.

All the way from the east to the west weGot this high societyLooking down on their very foundationConstantly reminding us that our actionsAre the cause of all their problemsPointing their fingers in everyDirection and blaming theirOwn nation for who wins the electionsThey've never contributed a fucking thing to theCountry they love to criticize

Excuse the obscene, ignore the untrueDepictions we see try and get throughAdmitting mistakes can hurtI'm not the last but I sure ain't the first

Shh, quiet, might piss somebody off

Self-righteousness is wearing thin(Lies inside your head your best friend)Heart bleeds but not for fellow men(Broken glass your fake reflection)

I've had enough, it's time for something realI don't respect the words you're speaking

Gone too farA clone

In the lyrics of "Critical Acclaim" by Avenged Sevenfold, the band addresses the issue of hypocrisy and self-righteousness in society. The opening lines express frustration towards those who have been perpetuating negativity for too long, feeding off the insecurities of others and hypocritically biting the hand that feeds them. The singer dismisses the facade of self-righteousness as it becomes increasingly transparent, with a sense of betrayal and disillusionment emerging.

The chorus delves deeper into the theme of societal hypocrisy, questioning the morality of those who benefit from the sacrifices of others, particularly in the context of warfare and defending one's rights. The lyrics highlight the contrast between the glorification of a certain lifestyle and the harsh realities faced by those on the front lines, emphasizing the disconnect between privilege and sacrifice. The sarcastic salute towards the "pompous assholes" who avoid accountability by pointing fingers encapsulates the anger and disdain felt towards those who refuse to acknowledge their role in perpetuating injustice.

The middle section of the song continues to dissect the selfish agendas and empty rhetoric of those in power, portraying them as tabloid gossip queens and worthless individuals with no genuine concern for others. The mention of burying oneself and digging one's own grave alludes to the consequences of selfish actions and the inevitable downfall of those who prioritize their ego over genuine connection and empathy. The refusal to be complicit in this cycle of hypocrisy and manipulation is a recurring theme throughout the song.

As the song progresses, the lyrics shift towards critiquing the high society that looks down on its own foundation and blames others for their problems. The band highlights the irony of those who criticize their own nation while contributing nothing positive themselves, pointing out the finger-pointing and blame-shifting that often occurs in political discourse. The call to excuse the obscene and acknowledge mistakes as a form of growth and humility serves as a reminder of the importance of self-reflection and accountability in a world filled with hypocrisy and injustice.

Overall, "Critical Acclaim" is a searing critique of hypocrisy, self-righteousness, and societal double standards. Through its powerful lyrics and intense delivery, Avenged Sevenfold challenges listeners to confront the illusions of righteousness and privilege that permeate society, urging them to seek authenticity and real connection in a world filled with hypocrisy and manipulation.