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.
The Wind That Carries Me Away
AFI Lyrics
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Hold it to you heart
Turn the dust to diamonds
And here we finally part
And here we finally part
Here we finally part
Cannot stay
And the wind that carried me out
Carries me away, carries me away
Crush the dust in your hand
Hold it to your heart
Promises mean nothing
Until we finally part
And here we finally part
And the wind that brought me down
Cannot stay
And the wind that carried me out
Carries me away, carries me
And the blood (blood) runs (runs)
Further into blind eyes
And the blood (blood) runs (runs)
Faster than we can
And the wind that brought me down
Cannot stay
And the wind that carried me out
Carries me away, carries me away
Carries me away
The song "The Wind That Carries Me Away" by AFI is a beautiful and poetic contemplation of life's transience and the inevitability of separation. The lyrics encourage listeners to embrace their loved ones closely and to cherish every moment they share, whether it be in joy or in sorrow. The opening lines "Wrap the sky in your arms, hold it to your heart" evoke a sense of wonder and awe, as though the singer is trying to capture all of the beauty and majesty of the world before it slips away. The second verse includes the poignant lines "Crush the dust in your hand, hold it to your heart, promises mean nothing until we finally part" which reinforce the theme of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of being present in the moment.
The refrain repeats "And the wind that brought me down cannot stay, and the wind that carried me out carries me away, carries me away" which serves as a reminder that everything must come to an end – whether it be a relationship, a friendship, or life itself. The imagery of the wind is used to symbolize the inevitability of change and the impermanence of all things. The slow and steady pace of the song, coupled with soft and melancholic guitar chords, adds to the meditative atmosphere and allows the lyrics to speak directly to the listener's heart.
Line by Line Meaning
Wrap the sky in your arms
Embrace a sense of limitless possibilities and potential.
Hold it to your heart
Internalize this hopefulness and let it guide you.
Turn the dust to diamonds
Transform something common or mundane into something valuable and rare.
And here we finally part
Accept that some things must come to an end and let go.
And the wind that brought me down
Cannot stay
Acknowledge the negative experiences that have impacted you, but don't allow them to define you forever.
And the wind that carried me out
Carries me away, carries me away
Allow the positive experiences and opportunities to propel you forward and carry you to new heights.
Crush the dust in your hand
Let go of the things that are weighing you down or holding you back.
Promises mean nothing
Until we finally part
Words alone are not enough; it is actions that solidify a bond or commitment.
And the blood (blood) runs (runs)
Further into blind eyes
People are often unaware of or unwilling to confront the pain and suffering occurring around them.
And the blood (blood) runs (runs)
Faster than we can
The gravity and urgency of certain situations can be overwhelming and difficult to keep pace with.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Adam Carson, Davey Havok, Hunter Burgan, Jade Puget
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind