The band has released eight albums in their career: "Into the Half Moon" (2001), "Killing All that Holds You" (2004), "The Autumn Effect" (2005), "Division" (2008), "Feeding the Wolves" (2010), "Minus the Machine" (2012), "From Birth to Burial" (2015) and "(how to live) As Ghosts" (2017). Their biggest hit is their 2005 single "Wasteland", which reached #1 on Billboard Alternative Songs, #2 on Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks and #94 on the Billboard Hot 100. Recently in 2017, the band returned to the Mainstream Rock Chart's Top 5 with their single "Novacaine."
Half Life
10 Years Lyrics
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Infecting the crowd
Steady letting the fruit of her thrill
Fool you so well
Fictitious styles of living
We've expected to work
But this is all your giving
Pigeon hold in battles
Overtones of snow in her clutch
Falling through lines
One more breath destroys
The best of you
The death of you
Styling your shroud
Infecting the crowd
Steady letting the fruit of her thrill
Fool you so well
A precious gift embedded
Deep within your skin
But parasitic pleasures
Are closer than kin
Please expose your shadows
Such concerns are products of love
Falling in lies
One more fraud destroys
Our trust in you
Our love for you
Styling your shroud
Infecting the crowd
Steady letting the fruit of her thrill
Fool you so well
As you kiss the abstract
And pray it's everything you'd hoped for
The smell of her, the thrill of her
The fruit of her, the use of her
Is killing everything that you've worked for
The smell of her, the thrill of her
The fruit of her, the use of her
Is killing everything that you've worked for
Styling your shroud
Infecting the crowd
Steady letting the fruit of her thrill
Fool you so well
Smell of her
Thrill of her
Fruit of her
Use of her
Smell of her
Thrill of her
Fruit of her
Use of her
Smell of her
Thrill of her
Fruit of her
Use of her
The smell of her
Thrill of her
Fruit of her
Lucifer
The lyrics to 10 Years's song Half Life explore the idea of being deceived by someone who presents themselves in a certain way, but is ultimately harmful and destructive. The singer of the song is taken in by the "fruit" of this person's actions and appearance, but ultimately realizes that they have been fooled and that their trust and love have been misplaced. The lyrics describe this person as "styling their shroud," or presenting themselves in a way that is misleading and false. They are infecting the crowd, or spreading their deception to others.
The song also touches upon the idea of people living a fictitious style of life that they believe will work, but ultimately fails to provide true fulfillment. The lyrics state that this person is only giving half of what they are worth, and that they are pigeonholed in battles. The image of overtones of snow in her clutch suggests a sense of coldness and detachment, while "falling through lines" suggests a sense of chaos and instability. The song ends with the repeated refrain of the destructive power of this person's "smell," "thrill," "fruit," and "use," leading to the ultimate reference to Lucifer, a symbol of evil and deception in many religious traditions.
The lyrics of Half Life appear to be inspired by the personal experience of the band members, especially lead vocalist Jesse Hasek, with addiction and substance abuse. Hasek has spoken in interviews about his struggles with addiction, and how the deceit and manipulation that often accompanies addiction can be devastating for both the addict and their loved ones. The lyrics also touch upon other themes that are common in the band's music, including the idea of isolation and disconnection from others.
Line by Line Meaning
Styling your shroud
You are creating a false image of yourself to hide your true self.
Infecting the crowd
Your false image is influencing those around you in a negative way.
Steady letting the fruit of her thrill
You are continuously pursuing the pleasure that this false image brings.
Fool you so well
You are deceiving yourself into believing that this false image is who you truly are.
Fictitious styles of living
You have adopted a lifestyle that is not genuine or authentic.
We've expected to work
You believed that this lifestyle would bring you success or happiness.
But this is all your giving
However, this lifestyle is all you have to offer and it is not fulfilling.
Half of what your worth
You are not reaching your full potential and only giving a fraction of what you are capable of.
Pigeon hold in battles
You are confined and limited in the struggles you face.
Overtones of snow in her clutch
The dangerous allure of this false image is like the cold grip of winter.
Falling through lines
Your life is disjointed and chaotic, lacking direction or purpose.
One more breath destroys
One small mistake or misstep could lead to your downfall.
The best of you
Your true potential and the greatness within you could be lost.
The death of you
This false image could lead to your demise.
A precious gift embedded
You possess a valuable attribute or quality within you.
Deep within your skin
This valuable attribute or quality is a part of your very being.
But parasitic pleasures
However, the temporary pleasure that comes from this false image is like a parasite feeding on you.
Are closer than kin
This false image has become an integral and inseparable part of you.
Please expose your shadows
You need to reveal the dark parts of yourself that this false image is hiding.
Such concerns are products of love
Addressing these issues is a necessary act of self-care and love.
Falling in lies
You are becoming entrapped by the falsehood and illusions of this false image.
One more fraud destroys
One more deception or falsehood could destroy the trust and love others have for you.
Our trust in you
The trust others have in you is at risk of being broken.
Our love for you
The love and affection others have for you could also be lost because of this false image.
As you kiss the abstract
You are pursuing something that is intangible and not concrete.
And pray it's everything you'd hoped for
You hope that this pursuit will bring you the satisfaction and contentment you desire.
The smell of her, the thrill of her
The allure and excitement of this false image.
The fruit of her, the use of her
The temporary satisfaction and benefit gained from pursuing this false image.
Is killing everything that you've worked for
The pursuit of this false image is slowly destroying everything meaningful and worthwhile in your life.
Lucifer
A reference to the devil, who is often associated with temptation and deception.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BRIAN VODINH, JESSE HASEK, LEWIS COSBY, MATT WANTLAND, RYAN JOHNSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind