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 0228
Audioslave Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I came to you
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 need
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
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
Now I'm free from what you are
The song "What You Are" by Audioslave is about breaking free from a toxic and manipulative relationship. The lyrics speak of the singer's willingness to do anything for their partner, only to feel used and discarded when their partner no longer wants them. The first verse describes how the singer was always there for their partner, but when their partner wanted someone else, the singer withdrew. The second verse reveals how the singer even went as far as harming themselves when asked for blood and love. The chorus describes the liberation the singer feels from being free from their partner's wants and needs.
The third verse starts with a vision that came to the singer, hinting at a realization that they were being taken advantage of. They gave everything to their partner, but it was never enough, and their partner always wanted more. The final repetition of the chorus is triumphant as the singer declares that they are free from their partner's control.
The song's powerful message resonates with listeners who have been caught in toxic relationships and found the strength to break free. It encourages empowerment and self-care while warning against sacrificing oneself for someone else's whims.
Line by Line Meaning
And when you wanted me
When you needed my help or support, I was there for you.
And when you wanted someone else
When you wanted someone apart from me, I disconnected myself from you and moved away.
And when you asked for a light
When you asked me for a favor, I went too far to fulfil it.
And if I go far away I know
You'll find another slave
If I leave you one day, I know you'll find someone else to obey you like a 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
Now that I'm independent, I'm no longer held captive by your wants, needs, or personality.
And when you wanted blood
I cut my veins
When you wanted me to be hurt for some reason, I hurt myself.
And when you wanted love
I bled myself again
When you demanded more of me, I gave everything that I had.
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
I'm done with you, and I'm not looking back. I'm aware that I'm leaving an opening for you to find another person to control.
Then a vision came to me
When you came along
I gave you everything
But then you wanted more
Initially, I gave you everything I had, but you craved more, and that's when problems began.
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
Now that I'm standing on my own, I'm no longer a puppet to your desires, demands, or traits.
Now I'm free from what you are
I am no longer defined by you, and I control my own life now.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TIMOTHY COMMERFORD, CHRISTOPHER J. CORNELL, TOM MORELLO, BRAD J. WILK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Greg
This song is a ballad. You have not yet heard Chris’s true vocal power.
M.R. Davis
Amen!
zak
💯
Jeff Rogers
I think "Like a Stone" would be a better example of what he can do.. he's very controlled in this song.
Angie C
So true!!! 💯💯💯💯💯💯
Ashley O
It was a truly devastating day for rock fans when we lost Chris Cornell. He was such an unmatched talent.
vicki wilson
Amen. Nobody could touch him
Mike Cawthon
Hardest rock artist loss for me personally. 🖤
The Lord of Entropy
Man, I didn't expect to be crying in bed this morning. Such a sad end for one of our finest.
vicki wilson
@The Lord of Entropy Some people say that he committed suicide, but I heard his wife Vicki, and she said it was an accidental of. Do you know for sure what happened?