Apocalyptica is a band from Helsinki, Finland consisting of three classical… Read Full Bio ↴Apocalyptica is a band from Helsinki, Finland consisting of three classically-trained cellists and a drummer. Their speciality is heavy metal music on cellos, though they also play classical music.

They started in 1993 by playing covers of Metallica, but once the concept became popular they wrote their own original works, maintaining the thrash metal influences on their albums Inquisition Symphony (mainly covers as well) and Cult. Since Reflections they have added drums to their recordings and live performances.

Members:
Eicca Toppinen - Cello
Perttu Kivilaakso - Cello
Paavo Lötjönen - Cello
Mikko Sirén - Drums

Former members:
Sami Kuoppamäki - Session Drums
Perttu Kivilaakso - Cello (1995)
Antero Manninen – Cello (1996–1999, usually plays live)
Max Lilja – Cello (1996–2002, when he joined Hevein)
Dave Lombardo - Drums [session member] (2003-2004, from the band Slayer. Also contributed drums on the songs Betrayal/Forgiveness, Last Hope and 2010 from 7th Symphony)

My Friend Of Misery
Apocalyptica Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

You just stood there screaming
fearing no one was listening to you
they say the empty can rattles the most
the sound of your voice must soothe you
hearing only what you want to hear
and knowing only what you've heard
you you're smothered in tragedy
you're out to save the world

misery
you insist that the weight of the world
should be on your shoulders
misery
there's much more to life than what you see
my friend of misery

you still stood there screaming
no one caring about these words you tell
my friend before your voice is gone
one man's fun is another's hell
these times are sent to try men's souls
but something's wrong with all you see
you you'll take it on all yourself
remember, misery loves company

misery
you insist that the weight of the world
should be on your shoulders
misery
there's much more to life than what you see
my friend of misery

you just stood there creaming
my friend of misery

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Apocalyptica's song "My Friend Of Misery" portrays a person who feels unheard and is desperately trying to make the world a better place but is left feeling smothered in tragedy. They are convinced that it's their responsibility to carry the weight of the world and that their voice must be the only one that makes a difference. The irony being, the more they scream, the more they hear only what they want to hear and know only what they have heard before. They ultimately become their own worst enemy by taking everything on their shoulders and not realizing that misery loves company.

The song represents a common human desire to create a better world and to seek purpose in life, but more often than not, we become overwhelmed by the harsh realities and difficulties of the world. The lyrics remind us that even in our despair and anguish, we are not alone, and that sometimes we need to step back and see that true change and progress comes from united efforts and actions.

Line by Line Meaning

You just stood there screaming
You were loudly expressing your frustrations and concerns.

fearing no one was listening to you
You were scared that nobody was paying attention to what you were saying.

they say the empty can rattles the most
People tend to make the most noise when they have nothing of substance to say.

the sound of your voice must soothe you
You seem to find comfort in hearing yourself speak, even if nobody else is listening.

hearing only what you want to hear
You only listen to things that confirm your existing beliefs and opinions.

and knowing only what you've heard
Your knowledge and understanding of the world is limited by what you've been told by others.

you you're smothered in tragedy
You are overwhelmed and consumed by sadness and misfortune.

you're out to save the world
You have a strong desire to make the world a better place, even if it means taking on a huge burden.

you insist that the weight of the world should be on your shoulders
You feel like you are responsible for fixing all the problems in the world, even though it's not realistic or fair.

there's much more to life than what you see
You need to broaden your perspective and look beyond your own problems and struggles.

my friend of misery
Despite your flaws and shortcomings, you are still a friend and worthy of compassion and understanding.

Contributed by Alexis H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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