Bride is a Christian metal/rock band formed in the 80s as "Matrix", by brot… Read Full Bio ↴Bride is a Christian metal/rock band formed in the 80s as "Matrix", by brothers Dale Thompson and Troy Thompson. Despite being criticized for their abrupt changes in style in favor of what's "hot", the band has remained largely popular in the U.S. and other places like Brazil. Dale, a full time pastor, wanted to use the band for ministry and not for profit, so in the late 90's they decided to go completely independent from any record label and put out an offer to play any free concert they were invited to as long as they were compensated for travel food and lodging. The offer is still posted on their website, so if you want to have them come to your town, you might give it a try.

Short Time In the Grave
Bride Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I will not go mental
when you spit in my face
There's no reason for your violence
or this war you wage

You've never seen me panic
When your living life enraged
I can't say that you are in control

while your banging on your cage

And the devil burns in the pits today
Forever seems like a short time in the grave
All my sins are purged away
And the devil burns in the pits today

I know what its like to burn
I'm in flames every day
Are you still afraid of me?
Cause I can feel your pain

Judge nothing before the time
Until the good Lord comes

Brings to light the hidden things
There's nothing left undone

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Short Time in the Grave" by The Bride reflect on the struggle with violence and aggression between two individuals, and the desire to rise above it all. The first stanza makes it clear that the singer will not let the violent behavior of the other person provoke them to lose control. The second stanza suggests that the other person is struggling too, living their life in a constant state of rage. Despite this, the singer does not see them as being in control, but rather trapped behind their anger.

The chorus of the song likens the pain of living with violence and aggression to the fires of hell, but offers some hope with the idea that "forever" - eternal damnation - seems like a "short time in the grave". All the singer's sins are purged away, and they embrace the idea of the devil burning in the pits of hell. The final stanza offers a message of forgiveness and patience, urging listeners to wait until God reveals the truth before making judgements about others and recognizing that ultimately, they have nothing left to fear.

This song's lyrics reveal a tension between a desire to resist the cycle of violence and anger without accepting it as normal and the idea that ultimately everything is in God's hands. It suggests a struggle to find meaning in a situation that feels hopeless, and the ultimate hope that comes from being able to let go and trust in a higher power.

Line by Line Meaning

I will not go mental
I will remain composed

when you spit in my face
even when you disrespect me

There's no reason for your violence
your aggressive behavior is unwarranted

or this war you wage
there's no need for us to be at odds

You've never seen me panic
I remain calm under pressure

When your living life enraged
even in the midst of your anger

I can't say that you are in control
I don't believe your actions are justified

while your banging on your cage
even though you're acting out of frustration

And the devil burns in the pits today
evil is being punished

Forever seems like a short time in the grave
life is temporary

All my sins are purged away
I've been absolved of my wrongdoing