Boysetsfire is an American post-hardcore band from Newark, Delaware that fo… Read Full Bio ↴Boysetsfire is an American post-hardcore band from Newark, Delaware that formed in October 1994. The band is composed of guitarists Chad Istvan and Josh Latshaw, vocalist Nathan Gray, and bassists Chris Rakus and Robert Ehrenbrand. Lyrical themes are often of an anti-capitalist, radical left-wing political perspective.

Current members:
Nathan Gray - lead vocals (1994–present)
Josh Latshaw - guitar (1994–present)
Chad Istvan - guitar (1994–present)
Rob Ehrenbrand - bass (2004–2011, 2013–present)
Chris Rakus - bass (2013–present)
Jared Shavelson - drums (2013–present)

Former members:
Darrell Hyde - bass guitar (1994–1999)
Rob Avery - bass guitar (1999–2004)
Marc Krupanski - bass guitar (2011–2013)
Matt Krupanski - drums (1994–2013)
Dan Pelic - drums (2013)
Lee Dickerson - lead guitar (2013)

Nostalgic For Guillotines
BoySetsFire Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Breathe. Breathe in the burning airâ?¦ then sigh.
Be relieved there's nothing there
We were free long before your free advice
Now the flags, they will burn in paradise
Rest your head here
Feed our nation for us please
And retreat to the back of our lines for your needs
As the blade is raised thoughts get clearer

Now what if dreams that you had came crashing down
Would you change or erase the memory of the day oh the day you made us bleed?
Rest your head here
Feed our nation for us please
And retreat to the back of our lines for your needs
We sew the seeds upon your grave,
So you know you'll feed us either way
Wash away your sins and begin again resurrection from empty hands
Back against the wall watch your tower fall to the ground with your head

Time to move on. your power is gone. its your turn to run. your hour has come.
And the meek shall inherit the earth.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics in the song "Nostalgic For Guillotines" by BoySetsFire address subjects of rebellion and revolution against oppressive systems. The opening lines "Breathe. Breathe in the burning air… then sigh. Be relieved there's nothing there" imply that the air is heavy with tension and anticipation of change, and the sigh indicates a release of that tension. The lyrics suggest that the freedom of the people existed long before the advice of those in power, and the flags that represent the oppressive power will eventually burn in a paradise brought by the revolution.

The lyrics also suggest that those in power will try to manipulate the revolution in their favor by asking the people to feed their nation and retreat to the back of the lines for their needs. The lines "As the blade is raised thoughts get clearer, Now what if dreams that you had came crashing down, Would you change or erase the memory of the day, oh the day you made us bleed?" suggest that violent acts are necessary for change and for the oppressors to feel the pain they've inflicted on those they suppress.

The lyrics then address the consequences of the revolution, with lines like "We sew the seeds upon your grave, so you know you'll feed us either way, Wash away your sins and begin again resurrection from empty hands, Back against the wall watch your tower fall to the ground with your head." These lines suggest that even after those in power are vanquished, their remains will continue to feed the revolution's growth, and the meek shall inherit the earth.

Line by Line Meaning

Breathe. Breathe in the burning airâ?¦ then sigh.
Take a deep breath and let it out, feeling relieved that there is nothing here to hurt us.

We were free long before your free advice
We were already independent and didn't need your opinion to decide our lives.

Now the flags, they will burn in paradise
The symbols of your control will be destroyed in a new world without oppression.

Rest your head here Feed our nation for us please And retreat to the back of our lines for your needs
Take a break but remember to serve and follow our orders while staying out of the way.

As the blade is raised thoughts get clearer
Facing death brings clarity to the mind and sharpens the senses.

Now what if dreams that you had came crashing down Would you change or erase the memory of the day oh the day you made us bleed?
If your goals were suddenly destroyed, would you regret hurting us to achieve them?

We sew the seeds upon your grave, So you know you'll feed us either way
Even in death, your body will provide for us, since we've taken everything else from you.

Wash away your sins and begin again resurrection from empty hands
Absolve yourself of past wrongdoing and start anew without any resources or connections.

Back against the wall watch your tower fall to the ground with your head
Cornered and helpless, you'll witness the destruction of everything you valued, including yourself.

Time to move on. your power is gone. its your turn to run. your hour has come.
Your dominance is over, and now it's your turn to flee, since we will show no mercy.

And the meek shall inherit the earth.
The powerless and oppressed will eventually triumph and take over the world.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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