September 2007 saw the release of their latest album, Iron Gag, featuring musical guests Devin Townsend of Strapping Young Lad, Anthony Green of Circa Survive, and Randy Blythe of Lamb of God. The band supported the album with tours alongside High on Fire, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Saviours, Suicide Silence, and Job for a Cowboy.
Their last album, Ecstatic Trance, came out in 2012.
Grotesque
A Life Once Lost Lyrics
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Your destructive existence is nauseating
Fake, with no self esteem;
You're nothing
You change with manic uncertainty
Now I will be the master
Now I will choose my boatswain
But I don't know you
I push myself in and out of control
But I don't own you
Exactly how should I stand here,
Waiting for you to finally answer
As you verbally bash me
The opening lines of the song "Grotesque" by A Life Once Lost depict a confrontational situation where someone is tearing down another person's confidence. The use of the word "collapse" suggests that this is not just a matter of teasing or casual criticism, but rather a purposeful attempt to damage the other person's sense of self-worth. The lyrics go on to describe the target of this verbal attack as "destructive" and "nauseating", indicating that they may be engaging in harmful behavior that is offensive to others.
The next lines of the song suggest that the target's behavior is a result of low self-esteem. They are described as "fake" and "nothing", implying that they have constructed a false persona in order to try and hide their insecurities. However, despite their efforts to control their image, the person in question is also shown as unstable and prone to sudden changes in mood or behavior.
The singer of the song seems to be determined to break free from this toxic relationship dynamic. They declare themselves "the master" and promise to take control of their own life. The final lines of the verse demonstrate the singer's frustration with the situation, as they plead for a response that never seems to come, and endure further verbal abuse.
Line by Line Meaning
These words collapse your confidence
Your confidence is easily torn down by words
Your destructive existence is nauseating
You have a harmful and sickening way of living
Fake, with no self esteem;
You have a false persona and no self-confidence
You're nothing
You have no value or worth
You change with manic uncertainty
You have unstable and unpredictable behavior
Now I will be the master
I am taking control of the situation
Now I will choose my boatswain
I will decide who assists me
I push myself in and out of relationships
I have a tendency to enter and leave relationships
But I don't know you
I don't truly understand who you are
I push myself in and out of control
I struggle with maintaining self-control
But I don't own you
I cannot control you
Exactly how should I stand here,
I am unsure how to act in this situation
Waiting for you to finally answer
Hoping for a response from you
As you verbally bash me
As you insult and attack me with your words
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: DOUGLAS WARREN SABOLICK, JUSTIN ROGER GRAVES, ROBERT DAVID MEADOWS, ROBERT LEWIS CARPENTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind