Severed me roots of dead family trees
Finding the damage inside (of me)
Parting blood red seas on bended knee
Too much to ask when it's so hard to breathe
No way out

Tearing my soul to finally see
The real wreckage between (you and me)
A cold grin for those damned at my door
My hanging heart for your product of war
No way out

Cutting myself for clarity
I just keep falling into darkness
Cutting myself for clarity
Just keep falling

No way out cutter cutting myself for clarity
I just keep falling into darkness
Cutting myself for clarity
Just keep falling
One way down
No way out

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Converge's song "Cutter" describe a person who is struggling to come to terms with their own pain and damage, both physical and emotional. The opening lines "Severed me roots of dead family trees / Finding the damage inside (of me)" seem to refer to the idea of familial trauma, or the notion that the mistakes and struggles of our ancestors can be passed down through generations, ultimately leading to our own struggles and pain. The imagery of "parting blood red seas" could suggest a willingness to confront these issues head-on, even if it's difficult or painful. However, the lines "Too much to ask when it's so hard to breathe / No way out" have a sense of hopelessness and despair to them, as if the character feels trapped in their own turmoil.

The chorus of the song, with its repeated phrase "Cutting myself for clarity / I just keep falling into darkness," is particularly telling. It suggests that the character is resorting to self-harm as a means of coping with their inner turmoil, but is ultimately feeling more and more lost and alone as a result. The closing lines "One way down / No way out" illustrate the sense of fatalism and despair that pervades the whole song.

Overall, "Cutter" is a powerful and intense exploration of personal pain and trauma. The lyrics are evocative and poetic, but also deeply emotional and raw.

Line by Line Meaning

Severed me roots of dead family trees
I have cut off ties with long-dead relatives, symbolizing the end of the lineage.

Finding the damage inside (of me)
Examining my own issues, seeking internal resolution.

Parting blood red seas on bended knee
Attempting a herculean task, against all odds, while in a position of humility.

Too much to ask when it's so hard to breathe
Feeling overwhelmed and suffocated by the weight of it all.

No way out
Feeling trapped or cornered, with no options or escape.

Tearing my soul to finally see
Painful self-reflection that leads to gaining insight into one's deeper self.

The real wreckage between (you and me)
Acknowledging the damage or destruction caused by a relationship, between two people.

A cold grin for those damned at my door
Detached amusement for those who will be punished or rejected.

My hanging heart for your product of war
My emotional sacrifice, for your gains in war or conflict.

Cutting myself for clarity
Physically harming myself, as a coping mechanism or as a means of clarity/relief.

I just keep falling into darkness
Emotionally spiraling down into despair or depression.

Cutting myself for clarity
Physically harming myself, as a coping mechanism or as a means of clarity/relief.

Just keep falling
Continuing to descend into darkness or hopelessness.

One way down
Only going further down, with no way to rise back up.

No way out
Feeling trapped or cornered, with no options or escape.

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Benjamin Koller, Jacob Bannon, Kurt Parker Ballou, Nathaniel Harlan Newton

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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