Audioslave released three successful albums, received three Grammy nominations, sold more than eight million records worldwide, and became the first American rock band to perform an open-air concert in Cuba. Cornell issued a statement in February 2007 that he was permanently leaving the band "due to irresolvable personality conflicts as well as musical differences." As the other three members were busy with the Rage Against the Machine reunion, and Morello and Cornell had each released solo albums in 2007, Audioslave was officially disbanded.
Discography
2002 Audioslave
2005 Out of Exile
2006 Revelations
What You Are
Audioslave Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And when you wanted someone else
I withdrew
And when you asked for a light I set myself on fire
And if I go far away I know
You'll find another slave
'Cause now I'm free from what you want
Now I'm free from what you are
And when you wanted blood I cut my veins
And when you wanted love I bled myself again
Now that I've had my fill of you
I'll give you up forever
And here I go far away
I know you'll find another slave
'Cause now I'm free from what you want
Now I'm free from what you need
Now I'm free from what you are, yeah
Then a vision came to me
When you came along
I gave you everything
But then you wanted more
'Cause now I'm free from what you want
Now I'm free from what you need
Now I'm free from what you are, yeah
Now I'm free from what you are
Now I'm free from what you need
Now I'm free from what you are
The lyrics of Audioslave's song "What You Are" speak of a person who has been in a toxic relationship and has finally found the courage to break away. The song is about the singer being there for the other person in the relationship, but their partner has been looking for someone else even when the singer did everything they could to give to their partner. The singer says that they set themselves on fire when asked for a light, gave blood when their partner wanted blood, and bled themselves when their partner wanted love. These lines symbolize how the person gave everything they had to keep the relationship going, but it wasn't enough.
The singer then states that they are free from what their partner wants, needs, and is. They have come to realize that the relationship was not only toxic, but their partner was emotionally manipulative as well. The person had to break free from their partner's hold on them and start living their life on their own terms. The song delivers a powerful message about self-love and self-respect.
Line by Line Meaning
And when you wanted me I came to you
I used to fulfill your every need and desire when you called upon me.
And when you wanted someone else I withdrew
However, when you sought the attention of someone else, I distanced myself.
And when you asked for a light I set myself on fire
Even when you needed something as simple as a light, I went to great lengths, even harming myself in the process.
And if I go far away I know You'll find another slave
But even though I am leaving, I know you'll easily find someone new to take my place.
'Cause now I'm free from what you want
I am now liberated from constantly catering to your desires.
Now I'm free from what you need
Furthermore, I am no longer bound by the things you require in order to be fulfilled.
Now I'm free from what you are
I am no longer defined by our previous relationship and have moved on to a better situation.
And when you wanted blood I cut my veins
In times when you demanded blood, I went as far as self-harm to satisfy you.
And when you wanted love I bled myself again
And even when you required love, I gave and gave until I had nothing more to offer.
Now that I've had my fill of you I'll give you up forever
Now that I have had enough of your toxic behavior, I am finally ready to let you go forever.
And here I go far away I know you'll find another slave
As I move on, I am certain that you will easily find another person to manipulate and control.
Then a vision came to me When you came along I gave you everything But then you wanted more
As I reflect on our past relationship, I realize that I gave you my all, yet it was never enough for you.
Now I'm free from what you want Now I'm free from what you need Now I'm free from what you are, yeah
Once again, I emphasize that I am now fully liberated from the chains of your demands and expectations.
Now I'm free from what you are Now I'm free from what you need Now I'm free from what you are
I declare once again that I am now completely free from the negative influence you once had over me.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Timothy Commerford, Christopher J. Cornell, Tom Morello, Brad J. Wilk
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind