AFI has released eleven studio albums, ten EPs, one live album and one DVD. The band first reached substantial commercial success with their fifth album, The Art of Drowning (2000), which peaked at number 174 on the Billboard 200. They then broke into the mainstream with their sixth, Sing the Sorrow (2003), which peaked at number five on the Billboard 200 and remained on the chart for 51 weeks. The album was supported by popular singles "Girl's Not Grey" and "Silver and Cold", both of which peaked at number seven on America's Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart in 2003. "The Leaving Song Pt. II" was also released as a single, reaching number 16 on the chart. Sing the Sorrow was certified Platinum by the RIAA in 2006 and is AFI's best-selling release, having sold over 1.26 million copies as of September 2009.
AFI's seventh album, Decemberunderground (2006), debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and featured the hit single "Miss Murder", which topped the Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart and reached number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100. Another single, "Love Like Winter", reached number four on the Modern Rock Tracks chart. The album was certified Platinum by the RIAA in 2013.[6] Decemberunderground was followed three years later by Crash Love (2009), and then four years later by Burials (2013); both albums were also successful, peaking at number twelve and number nine, respectively, on the Billboard 200. The band's tenth and latest album, AFI (The Blood Album), was released in 2017, and peaked at number five on the Billboard 200, making it their second-highest chart position.
Clove Smoke Catharsis
AFI Lyrics
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As I try to scale the wall
Ignored futility fills the air
You're only there to watch me fall
Watch me fall, watch me
If only pure sweetness was offered
Why's this bitter taste left in my mouth?
Just to exhale, I'd know that I held it in too long
From above comes a faint smile
A new vantage, such a view
Familiarity, now disowned
Just sit and stare as I walk away
Walk away, watch me
If only pure sweetness was offered
Why's this bitter taste left in my mouth?
If I could catch my breath
Just to exhale, I'd know that I held it in too long
If only pure sweetness was offered
Why's this bitter taste left in my mouth?
If I could catch my breath
Just to exhale, I'd know that I held it in too long
If only pure sweetness was offered
(The bitterness)
Why's this bitter taste left in my mouth?
(Pure sweetness)
If I could catch my breath
(My breath)
Just to exhale, I'd know that I held it in too long
The lyrics in AFI's song Clove Smoke Catharsis appear to be about a relationship that has gone sour. The singer is trying to climb a wall, but their efforts are in vain, almost as if they are trying to reach their partner. The partner, however, is seemingly detached, and is only there to watch the singer fall. The bitterness of the situation is evident, as the singer questions why there is not more sweetness offered, and why bitterness is the only taste left in their mouth.
The second verse continues to highlight the broken relationship, as the singer references a "faint smile" from above, perhaps indicating that their partner is amused by the singer's struggle to reach them. The singer no longer feels familiar with their partner, and as they walk away, the partner only sits and stares, rather than making an effort to repair the relationship. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the singer's frustration and desire for a resolution, while also indicating that they feel as though they have held their breath for too long.
One interpretation of the song could be that it is about a toxic relationship, where one partner is detached and distant, while the other is desperate to make things work. The bitterness mentioned throughout the lyrics could represent the hurt and pain caused by the failed relationship. Overall, the lyrics in Clove Smoke Catharsis are emotional and raw, showcasing the band's ability to delve into complex themes and emotions.
Line by Line Meaning
Lean against the night and laugh
I'm trying so hard to climb over this obstacle, but instead, you just stand there and laugh, like it's a big joke to you.
As I try to scale the wall
I'm attempting to overcome this challenge but I keep encountering setbacks and failures.
Ignored futility fills the air
My efforts are all for nothing, and the feeling of despair is becoming overwhelming.
You're only there to watch me fall
You're not helping me, just standing by idly, waiting for me to mess up.
Watch me fall, watch me
You're enjoying my failures and setbacks, taking pleasure in my pain.
If only pure sweetness was offered
I wish things were easy and uncomplicated, without obstacles or pain or conflict.
Why's this bitter taste left in my mouth?
My experience has been difficult and painful, and I can't quite shake the negative emotions associated with it.
And if I could catch my breath
If I could just pause and take a minute to recover from this hardship.
Just to exhale, I'd know that I held it in too long
I've been holding onto this pain and stress for too long, and I just need to release it and let it go.
From above comes a faint smile
Someone is looking down on my situation, possibly with judgment or contempt.
A new vantage, such a view
This observer has a different perspective or outlook than me, which may be why they're smiling.
Familiarity, now disowned
I'm feeling disconnected from something or someone that was once familiar to me.
Just sit and stare as I walk away
Even though I'm leaving, this person or thing isn't following me or fighting to keep me around.
Walk away, watch me
I'm leaving this situation behind, and their reaction is to observe me leaving and not try to stop me.
If only pure sweetness was offered (The bitterness)
Once again, I'm wishing for an easy, uncomplicated existence but instead, I'm left with bitterness and pain.
Why's this bitter taste left in my mouth? (Pure sweetness)
I don't understand why this situation can't be easy and happy, why I'm always encountering setbacks and hardships.
If I could catch my breath (My breath)
If I could just take a break from all of this adversity, maybe I could start fresh with a better mindset.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
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