The band is not to be confused with Zakk Wylde's solo project (sometimes known as Book of Shadows after its only album) or with Pride & Glory, Wylde's southern rock band.
History
In 1992, Ozzy retired after the No More Tears tour, which led Zakk to form his own solo band Pride & Glory, blending potent bluesy southern rock with heavy metal. In 1994 Ozzy decided to come out of retirement, and the numerous recording sessions for Ozzmosis took place. Around this time, Zakk was also offered the open guitar slot in Guns N' Roses and had a hard time deciding whether to tour with Ozzy or join Guns N' Roses. Neither project panned out. This gave Wylde the opportunity to record his own acoustic solo album, "Book of Shadows." After limited commercial success with Book Of Shadows, in 1998, Zakk and drummer Phil Ondich formed Black Label Society and recorded their debut album "Sonic Brew." Nick Catanese had been Zakk's touring rhythm guitarist since the Book Of Shadows tour (Zakk records all guitars on his albums). Craig Nunenmacher has been drumming for the band since 1919 Eternal (2001) following Phil's departure. Previous bass players include current Metallica bassist Rob Trujillo, former Megadeth 4-stringer James Lomenzo, and current Alice in Chains bassist Mike Inez, who also played with Zakk on the No More Tears, Ozzy tour.
The band had their song "Fire It Up" featured as a bonus song in the PlayStation 2 game Guitar Hero. Zakk Wylde has an avatar in the video game "Guitar Hero: World Tour", and the song "Stillborn" also appears.
Stronger Than Death
Black Label Society Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That's how I want it to be
Full of doubt, full of fear, all's unclear
It's over 'cause now I can see
Like a tank, seething strength, crushing all
Pulling you under my treads
Lost some years, lost some days, that's O.K.
I piss on what's in my way
Your two-faced abusin'
Mindless confusion
Resolution
(I feel I'm breathing my first breath)
Manipulation
Dyin' salvation
You'll never rest
(You can't kill what's stronger than death)
Looked inside, found myself, it was me
Waitin' there at the well
If you're green, you ain't seen, life's a game
Sometimes it's just hard to tell
Gouging eyes, breakin' bones, eatin' flesh
Puts a smile on my face
Crawlin' through glass, eatin' nails, losin' blood
It's all part of findin' your place
Your two-faced abusin'
Mindless confusion
Resolution
(I feel I'm breathing my first breath)
Manipulation
Dyin' salvation
You'll never rest
(You can't kill what's stronger than death)
"Stronger Than Death" by Black Label Society is a song about overcoming adversity and emerging even stronger on the other side. The opening lines "Hunt me down, seek me out, bring your best / That's how I want it to be" set the tone for the rest of the song. The singer is challenging anyone who stands in their way to bring their best because they are ready to face any obstacle head-on. The song suggests that it's okay to lose some time in life because it's all part of the process. The lines "Lost some years, lost some days, that's O.K. / I piss on what's in my way" indicate that the singer is willing to take on any challenge and isn't afraid to leave things behind.
The chorus "Your two-faced abusin' / Mindless confusion / Resolution / (I feel I'm breathing my first breath) / Manipulation / Dyin' salvation / You'll never rest / (You can't kill what's stronger than death)" is about the singer's resolve to overcome any challenge. The "two-faced abusin'" and "mindless confusion" could be referring to people or circumstances that have held the singer back but have ultimately been unable to break them down. The singer feels like they can breathe again and has come out the other side even stronger, indicating that nothing can kill them now.
The song's message is one of resilience and the idea that no matter how tough things get, one can always come out on top. The lyrics are empowering and offer a strong message to anyone facing adversity in their lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Hunt me down, seek me out, bring your best
I want to face life's challenges head on, so come at me with all you've got
That's how I want it to be
I'm not afraid to confront whatever difficulties come my way
Full of doubt, full of fear, all's unclear
I used to feel uncertain and scared, but now I see things more clearly
It's over 'cause now I can see
My newfound clarity has put an end to my doubts and fears
Like a tank, seething strength, crushing all
I'm as strong and powerful as a tank, and I won't let anything stand in my way
Pulling you under my treads
I'm not afraid to crush anyone who opposes me
Lost some years, lost some days, that's O.K.
I've made mistakes and missed out on opportunities, but I'm not dwelling on the past
I piss on what's in my way
I have no respect for anything that tries to stop me from achieving my goals
Looked inside, found myself, it was me
I've taken the time to reflect, and I've learned that I am the only one responsible for my destiny
Waitin' there at the well
I discovered my true self through introspection
If you're green, you ain't seen, life's a game
If you're inexperienced, you don't understand the complexities of life
Sometimes it's just hard to tell
It's not always easy to discern the right path in life
Gouging eyes, breakin' bones, eatin' flesh
I'm not afraid to suffer and fight for what I believe in
Puts a smile on my face
I take pride in my ability to endure hardships and overcome obstacles
Crawlin' through glass, eatin' nails, losin' blood
I'll do whatever it takes to achieve my goals, no matter how painful or difficult
It's all part of findin' your place
The struggles we face help us discover who we are and where we belong
Your two-faced abusin'
I won't tolerate anyone who is insincere or manipulative
Mindless confusion
I don't have time for people who don't have a clear sense of purpose or direction
Resolution
I've resolved to follow my own path and do what's best for me
(I feel I'm breathing my first breath)
I'm experiencing a sense of renewal and liberation as I move forward in my life
Manipulation
I won't let anyone take advantage of me or manipulate me for their own gain
Dyin' salvation
I refuse to be a victim or let anyone else control my fate
You'll never rest
I'll keep fighting and striving for what I believe in, no matter what anyone else says or does
(You can't kill what's stronger than death)
My inner strength and resilience are unbreakable, even in the face of death
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ZAKK WYLDE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind