As vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Toney Vast-Binder described it, "The lineup seems to be dictated by who ever we happen to be drinking with at the time," as of 7000 Dying Rats' 2001 release, The Sound of No Hands Clapping, the only original member still with the band was vocalist Josh Diebel. Despite the lineup changes, they have managed over the years to establish something of a cult following, among whom they have become almost as noted for their tasteless sense of humor and ridiculous song titles (e.g., My Nordic Butt Can Rule Nations, Cocaine Keeps Me Thin and Sexy) as for their music.
Their first official release of their own (following two demos and a split 7" appearance) was a self-titled, triple-7" boxed set on Stomach Ache Records, which contained the above-mentioned demos along with some other material. They have also made their way onto a number of compilations, including the somewhat infamous 500 Locked Grooves LP on RRR (1999), as well as a 1995 tribute to industrial/noise pioneers Throbbing Gristle, entitled Entertainment Through Pain (also on RRR), which found them appearing alongside Merzbow and Skullflower, among others. Album-wise, however, 7000 Dying Rats have not been terribly prolific over the years: their first full-length, Fanning the Flames of Fire, didn't come out until 1998, and The Sound... was just their second long-player.
The current lineup consists of Steve Rathbone and D.J. Barraca (Lair of the Minotaur), Toney Vast-Binder (Gun Kata), Josh Diebel (The Christpunchers), and Weasel Walter (Flying Luttenbachers, XBXRX) with additional work on the record contributed by Scott Kelly (Neurosis).
www.7000dyingrats.com
Paranoid
7000 Dying Rats Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Finished with my woman
'cause she couldn't help me with my mind
people think I'm insane
because I am frowning all the time
All day long I think of things
but nothing seems to satisfy
if I don't find something to pacify
Can you help me occupy my brain?
Oh yeah
I need someone to show me
the things in life that I can't find
I can't see the things that
make true happiness, I must be blind
Make a joke and I will sigh
and you will laugh and I will cry
Happiness I cannot feel
and love to me is so unreal
And so as you hear these
words telling you now of my state
I tell you to enjoy life
I wish I could but it's too late
The above lyrics belong to the song "Paranoid" which was originally sung by Black Sabbath and covered by 7000 Dying Rats. The song revolves around the thoughts and feelings of the singer who is on the verge of losing his mind. He is unable to find happiness and satisfaction in life, which is leading him towards insanity. He has given up on his partner and believes that no one can help him with his problems. The singer is constantly worried and is unable to find any solace; the feeling of loneliness and despair takes over him. The lyrics reflect on the mental state of the singer who is paranoid and anxious about his life.
The song has a deeper meaning; it talks about the struggles of mental illness, depression, and anxiety, and how it leads to loneliness and isolation. It highlights the importance of seeking help if someone is struggling with mental health issues. The singer is unable to find any purpose in life and is frustrated by his inability to achieve happiness. The song is an emotional portrayal of someone who is going through a tough time, and the lyrics leave the listener with a sense of understanding and empathy for those who suffer from mental illness.
Line by Line Meaning
Finished with my woman
I have ended my relationship with my partner.
'cause she couldn't help me with my mind
I had mental issues and my partner was not able to assist me and provide the support I needed.
people think I'm insane
Due to my behavior and mannerisms, people often believe that I am not mentally stable.
because I am frowning all the time
I have a tendency to have a sad or angry expression on my face constantly.
All day long I think of things
I am occupied with various thoughts and ideas throughout the entirety of the day.
but nothing seems to satisfy
No matter what I do or think about, I do not feel any sense of contentment or joy.
Think I'll lose my mind
I believe that my mental state is deteriorating and I am becoming unstable.
if I don't find something to pacify
If I am not able to find something to soothe or calm me down, I may reach a breaking point.
Can you help me occupy my brain?
I am requesting assistance from someone to help me keep my mind busy and distracted from my negative thoughts.
Oh yeah
An expression of agreement or enthusiasm.
I need someone to show me
I require someone to guide me or teach me about certain aspects of life.
the things in life that I can't find
There are certain aspects of life that I struggle to comprehend or locate on my own.
I can't see the things that
I am unable to perceive or understand certain things that may bring happiness or contentment.
make true happiness, I must be blind
Despite the existence of things that should bring joy, I cannot seem to feel truly happy or satisfied.
Make a joke and I will sigh
Even if someone makes a lighthearted or humorous remark, I will still feel disheartened or unhappy.
and you will laugh and I will cry
Although others around me may find joy in the same things that I cannot, I am unable to experience the same emotions and may even feel upset or distressed.
Happiness I cannot feel
I am unable to experience or feel true happiness.
and love to me is so unreal
The concept of love is distant and foreign to me, and I cannot comprehend its meaning or significance in my life.
And so as you hear these
As you listen to me speak these words.
words telling you now of my state
I am describing and conveying to you my mental and emotional state of being.
I tell you to enjoy life
Despite my personal struggles, I encourage you to find happiness and contentment in your own life.
I wish I could but it's too late
Although I desire to find happiness and enjoy life, it may be too late for me to do so.
Contributed by Hannah I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@epicsharkduck7635
Amazing
@jpneumonic
This is not only the best cover of this song but one of the best covers period.
@DSGreen
This still plays in my car, much more often than my son enjoys. Just putting that here.
@deathmetaldouglas69
The rats have spoken.