This Is Why
36 Crazyfists Lyrics
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and the world of hurtin'
this here's a mercy kit
(Gunshot) Oh GOD!
----
Roll on over
Roll on over
Since its you
And I've been covered by these ashes
I've been covered by these ashes
Chorus:
This is why I tell you not to
This is why I dare to ask why
This is why I tell you not to
This is why I watch it die
Black and white
Lose your hate
Black and white
Lose your faith
And I've been stepped on
walked on and beat down
I've been held down under power
Chorus
This is why I tell you not to (x3)
This is why I...
Break off from it
drown inside
Watch it roll right
through your side
Tell these people that you believe them
Tell these people its all a game
Chorus
This is why I tell you not to (x3)
This is why I...(x4)
The lyrics of 36 Crazyfists's song This Is Why use vivid and powerful image-laden language to express the pain and suffering of a life lived in the midst of violence and injustice. The first stanza sets the stage for the rest of the song, situating the listener in a world of hurt and pain, and introducing the theme of mercy and its violent counterpart, the police. The gunshot at the end of this stanza serves as a sharp punctuation mark that emphasizes the brutal reality of the singer's situation.
The second stanza, with its repetition of the phrase "Roll on over," conveys a sense of exhaustion and resignation. The singer has been beaten down so many times, from all sides, that they can only roll over in defeat. This sense of hopelessness is underscored by the repeated lines "I've been covered by these ashes," which suggest a life destroyed and left in ruins.
The chorus of the song expresses the central theme of the lyrics in a powerful and poignant way: the singer is urging the listener not to succumb to the violence and hatred of the world around them, and instead to hold on to their faith and hope. The final stanza of the song echoes this message, urging the listener to "break off from it" and "drown inside" by refusing to play the game of violence and oppression. Through its striking use of imagery and repetition, This Is Why conveys a deep sense of pain and suffering, while also urging resistance and hope in the face of injustice.
Line by Line Meaning
That there's the police
Referring to the authority and power of the police
and the world of hurtin'
The harsh, dangerous reality of the world
this here's a mercy kit
A gun for self-defense or mercy killing in desperate situations
(Gunshot) Oh GOD!
The sound of a gunshot and a plea to God for help or forgiveness
Roll on over
To face a situation or problem head-on
Over and over
Repeatedly facing the same challenges or obstacles
Since its you
Doing it for someone or something special
And I've been covered by these ashes
Negative experiences and failures have left their mark on the artist
Black and white
All-encompassing, absolute concepts
Lose your hate
Letting go of negative emotions towards others
Lose your faith
Doubting or losing belief in something previously held sacred
And I've been stepped on
People have taken advantage of the artist's vulnerability or weaknesses
walked on and beat down
Abusive treatment or neglect from others
I've been held down under power
Being oppressed or controlled by powerful forces
This is why I tell you not to
The singer providing advice based on their own negative experiences
This is why I dare to ask why
Questioning the reasoning behind negative experiences or patterns
Watch it roll right
Observing negative events or circumstances play out
through your side
Impacting the singer and those close to them
Tell these people that you believe them
Encouraging others to voice their truth and be supported
Tell these people its all a game
Rejecting the idea that life is meaningless or trivial
Break off from it
Breaking away from negative patterns or relationships
drown inside
Internalizing negative emotions or experiences
This is why I...
The singer continuing to reflect on their own negative experiences and offering cautionary advice
Contributed by Tristan O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@MrBaaaaay
36 Crazyfists are the reason I started to listen to metal.
Forever legendary.
@andregoncale
Metal? Huhauhauhauahuahuahuahuahuahuahahauhauahuahuauahua
@Knivfest666
this is something like hard rock, not metal
@eddiesuttle9028
Not even close to metal. Hard rock or alternative at best. Shit still hits hard so I can see the confusion 🤘
@nishanth6403
Will this come under trash metal then ? This hits so hard indeed 😂@@eddiesuttle9028
@kizzykoal8119
Being from Alaska myself, I have seen them live many times. Also was at the Grand opening of the Alaska airlines for the Howlapaloooza Event. Was a glorious day. Get elbowed in the face in the mosh pit hahaha
@lallijohnslallijohns5124
I am 32 years old and huge early 2000s metal fan. How did i not know about this song! Can’t stop listening to this.
@RickDecember
I had these guys on posters beside Trivium and Slipknot, but they we're always underrated for a Road Runner Records band - this mix doesn't sound as good as the version on the album Having been a fan of these guys since 2002, its incredible how unique they re and that it still hits hard today.
@kevancarterii8921
They start out in Alaska in the early 2000's and then moved out of state after a few tours is why
@thekraden04
@kevancarterii8921 heck yeah, I had some friends who knew a couple of these guys. While I knew the screamer and DJ for Makeshift and went to school with his sister.