1) Architects is a mathcore/metalcore/alternative metal band from Brighton,… Read Full Bio ↴1) Architects is a mathcore/metalcore/alternative metal band from Brighton, East Sussex, United Kingdom, formed in 2004 by twin brothers Dan and Tom Searle. As drummer and guitarist, respectively, they were joined by guitarist Tim Hillier-Brook, bassist Tim Lucas, and vocalist Matt Johnson. Strongly influenced by the Dillinger Escape Plan, their initial sound was coarse, chaotic, and rhythmically complex. Lucas was soon replaced by Alex Dean while Johnson left after the release of their debut album Nightmares (2006). He was replaced by Sam Carter, who quickly debuted on the band's second album Ruin (2007). After releasing a split EP with Dead Swans in 2008, they signed to Century Media Records and released their third album Hollow Crown through the label in 2009. In 2011, it was followed by The Here and Now. The next year, Architects returned towards their original style with Daybreaker, establishing a balance of melody and technical harshness. They also introduced more politicized lyrics, contrasting to the violent and even comedic lyrics of their older work. By the time of the album's release, Hillier-Brook left the band, later replaced by Adam Christianson.

In 2013, Architects parted with Century Media, self-releasing the documentary One Hundred Days: The Story of Architects Almost World Tour and joining Epitaph Records. They released their sixth album Lost Forever // Lost Together through the label in 2014, achieving widespread critical acclaim which has lasted since. Soon after the release of their follow-up All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us in 2016, principal guitarist and songwriter Tom Searle died after three years of living with skin cancer. In September 2017, the band released the single "Doomsday"—the last song that he was working on before his death—and announced Josh Middleton of Sylosis as their new lead guitarist. The single is included on their new album Holy Hell, which was released in November 2018 and is their first written without Searle.

All members of the band are vegan, having turned to veganism after watching several documentaries on the subject. They also promote the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, with Carter being one of its British ambassadors.

2) Architects was a screamo/emo-violence band brought up with members of Austin, Texas' own Toru Okada. Now known as the band Faithealer. Members went on to form, join or were in Body Pressure, Esclavo, Mindless, Askela, Hatred Surge, Chest Pain, Breathing Problem, Captive, Concave / Convex, Country Club, Interior One, Mental Abortion, The Snobs, Total Abuse and White Dog.

3) Architects (also ArchitectsKCMO) is also the name used by a Kansas City Soul Rock band who've released 4 albums (Keys To The Building 2005, Revenge 2006, Vice 2007 and The Hard Way 2009). They were formed from the ashes of Hellcat Records (and later Thick Records) Ska/Pop/Rock band The Gadjits. The Architects sound is a mature version of the later Gadjits material, dropping all ska influence for a Springsteen & The Who sounding rock approach. They are currently signed to Skeleton Crew Records.

Living Is Killing Us
Architects Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Bite my hand (my hand)
Nothing of worth is ever coming to you (coming to you)
Fall into error and swim the sands (swim the sands)
Breathe through the dirt
Repeat your own point of view
We can learn to stand in no man's land (no man's land)

We fell in love with a death machine (death machine)

Too much will never be enough (be enough)
Push comes to shove but it's heresy just to be
Living is killing us
Living is killing us (is killing us)

Take the stand (take the stand)
God knows that there is nothing else you can do (else you can do)
Weaker together
A firebrand (firebrand)
Another rebel that'll split us in two
We're burning down a holy land

We fell in love with a death machine (death machine)
Too much will never be enough (be enough)
Push comes to shove but it's heresy just to be
Living is killing us

We built a home on a battleground
Misfortunes never come alone
Come quick, we've gotta turn this ship around
Fuck it, I'll do it on my own

We built a home on a battleground
Misfortunes never come alone
Come quick, we've gotta turn this ship around
Fuck it, fuck it, I'll do it on my own

We fell in love with a death machine (death machine)
Too much will never be enough (be enough)
Push comes to shove but it's heresy just to be
Living is killing us

We fell in love with a death machine (death machine)
Too much will never be enough (be enough)

Push comes to shove but it's heresy just to be
Living is killing us

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Architects' song "Living Is Killing Us" depict a bleak and cynical view of life. The opening lines "Bite my hand, Nothing of worth is ever coming to you" suggest a sense of frustration and futility. The singer acknowledges that no matter how hard they try, they will never receive anything valuable or meaningful in return. The phrase "Fall into error and swim the sands, Breathe through the dirt, Repeat your own point of view" speaks to the idea that people often make mistakes and struggle to see beyond their own limited perspectives. It is a call to self-reflection and a reminder to question our own beliefs.

The chorus emphasizes the theme that living itself is detrimental. Falling in love with a "death machine" can be seen as a metaphor for embracing self-destructive behaviors or toxic relationships. The line "Too much will never be enough, Push comes to shove but it's heresy just to be" suggests that no matter how much we strive for satisfaction or fulfillment, it will never be truly attainable. The notion of it being heretical to simply exist implies that surviving in this world is seen as an act of rebellion, challenging societal norms and expectations.

The verse that follows delves deeper into the idea of division and conflict. The phrase "Weaker together, A firebrand, Another rebel that'll split us in two" suggests that even when we try to stand united, our differences and individual desires can tear us apart. It speaks to the fragility of human connections and the potential for division within any group. The line "We're burning down a holy land" could be interpreted as a metaphorical destruction of something sacred or significant, highlighting the destructive power that humans possess.

The bridge reflects a sense of resiliency and determination in the face of adversity. The idea of building a home on a battleground symbolizes the struggle and challenges of life itself. The line "Misfortunes never come alone" suggests that hardships often arrive in succession, adding to the difficulty of navigating through life. The singer acknowledges the need for change, expressing a sense of urgency to turn things around. The repeated line "Fuck it, I'll do it on my own" represents a rebellious refusal to conform or rely on others, asserting the singer's independence and determination to overcome obstacles alone.

In conclusion, Architects' "Living Is Killing Us" presents a cynical perspective on life, questioning the value of existence and highlighting the destructive nature of human behavior. The lyrics touch on themes of frustration, division, and the constant struggle for fulfillment. However, amidst the bleakness, there is a sense of resilience and determination, encapsulated in the desire to take control and create change.

Line by Line Meaning

Bite my hand (my hand)
I'm frustrated and desperate, causing harm to myself

Nothing of worth is ever coming to you (coming to you)
You won't receive anything valuable in life

Fall into error and swim the sands (swim the sands)
Making mistakes and struggling to escape their consequences

Breathe through the dirt
Finding resilience and strength amidst difficult circumstances

Repeat your own point of view
Stuck in a cycle of self-centeredness and refusing to consider others

We can learn to stand in no man's land (no man's land)
Finding balance and independence in a place of uncertainty

We fell in love with a death machine (death machine)
We became deeply enamored with something destructive and harmful

Too much will never be enough (be enough)
No matter how much we acquire or achieve, it will never satisfy us

Push comes to shove but it's heresy just to be
When push comes to shove, being true to oneself is seen as rebellious

Living is killing us
The act of living itself feels draining and harmful

Take the stand (take the stand)
Decide to take a firm position or stance

God knows that there is nothing else you can do (else you can do)
Even if you want to, you have no other choice or options

Weaker together
When we join forces, we become more vulnerable and less capable

A firebrand (firebrand)
A passionate and rebellious individual

Another rebel that'll split us in two
Yet another person who will create division and conflict among us

We're burning down a holy land
We are causing destruction and ruining something sacred

We built a home on a battleground
Our relationship or situation is constantly filled with conflict

Misfortunes never come alone
Difficulties and hardships always seem to arrive in groups

Come quick, we've gotta turn this ship around
We need to act urgently and change the course of our lives

Fuck it, I'll do it on my own
I will take matters into my own hands and tackle them alone