Founding mem… Read Full Bio ↴Bay Laurel was a Swedish gothic rock band founded in 1990.
Founding member Mattias Jonsson (bass) was an ex-Celestial Signs member, whilst Rickard Löfgren (vocals) and Johan Carlsson (keyboards) both had prior affiliations to the death metal outfit Dawn of Decay. In May 1995 Daniel Bergstrand produced the album "Under a Clouded Sky", issued on the Noxious label, the band comprised Löfgren, Jonsson, Carlsson, guitarists Anders Karlsson and Petter Miller with Tobias Gustafsson on drums. "Days of Joy" followed in December 1996.
Their EP "Bitter Intoxins" was released in February 1998 and included cover versions of Depeche Mode's "To Have and to Hold", David Bowie's "Heroes" and Leonard Cohen's "First We Take Manhattan". This set was recorded minus Miller, Jonsson and Gustafsson with the introduction of bass player Dan Borg and drummer Chris Montgomery. The band released "Where Pain Comes to Die" in May 2000.
Bay Laurel disbanded in 2001.
Strive
Bay Laurel Lyrics
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I don't know why you've chosen me to be one of the guinea pigs in your game.
Now I'm a wreck in hell to please you.
In this life we strive to feel so fine, to feel so alive.
On the way there's something new to try.
I swallow a piece and hope it's not a lie.
It's not right what you've done to me but it might be a way to make them see.
Now I'm a wreck in hell to please you.
In this life we strive to feel so fine, to feel so alive.
On the way there's something new to try.
I swallow a piece and hope it's not a lie.
Bay Laurel's song Strive delves into the concept of toxic relationships and the toll it takes on the individual, both physically and mentally. The opening lyrics "Mesmerized, I swallow a piece of your toxic mind" portrays the idea of being trapped in a manipulative relationship which affects the mental state of the individual. The phrase "a taste of decease" suggests that the more they are involved, the more harmful it can become, posing a threat to their well-being. The following lines, "I don't know why you've chosen me to be one of the guinea pigs in your game" highlights the power dynamic at play where the individual feels like they have no control over the situation they find themselves in.
The chorus, "In this life we strive to feel so fine, to feel so alive. On the way there's something new to try. I swallow a piece and hope it's not a lie," showcases the yearning for something fulfilling in life, indicating that individuals are willing to take risks and try new things to achieve that feeling. It also suggests that the person is willing to overlook the red flags in the relationship, in hopes of attaining the "high" that the other person provides.
The final lyrics, "All around there are people who feel that it's all about the things that we need. It's not right what you've done to me but it might be a way to make them see. Now I'm a wreck in hell to please you," portrays the idea of societal pressure and the notion that people constantly seek validation to feel accepted. The person feels wronged by the other but allows the toxic relationship to continue, hoping to prove a point to those around them. It further emphasizes the toll that the relationship has taken on the individual's mental state.
Line by Line Meaning
Mesmerized I swallow a piece of your toxic mind, a taste of decease.
I am captivated by your harmful way of thinking and have unknowingly adopted it, which feels like a slow death.
I don't know why you've chosen me to be one of the guinea pigs in your game.
I am unsure why you have selected me to be one of your experimental subjects.
Now I'm a wreck in hell to please you.
Now I am a mess, living in agony just to make you happy.
In this life we strive to feel so fine, to feel so alive.
Throughout our existence, we aspire to feel great, to feel alive.
On the way there's something new to try.
Along the way, there are new experiences to try out.
I swallow a piece and hope it's not a lie.
I try something new with the anticipation that it won't be a sham.
All around there are people who feel that it's all about the things that we need.
There are individuals who believe that life is about material acquisitions.
It's not right what you've done to me but it might be a way to make them see.
What you've done to me isn't correct, but it may be a method to make others realize the harm in their ways.
Now I'm a wreck in hell to please you.
Now I am a mess, living in agony just to make you happy.
Contributed by Christopher A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Toma Maria
Here are the lyrics: .w3lyrics.com/lyrics/song/36286/bay_laurel-strive.html