Lead singer Damon Johnson has been involved in numerous projects since the demise of Brother Cane, including Red Halo and more recently Slave to the System, a band that also features Glick as well as long-time Queensrÿche drummer Scott Rockenfield and guitarist/producer Kelly Gray who produced Brother Cane's Wishpool.
In 2005 Brother Cane reunited to perform two shows. A live DVD is also in the works.
Horses & Needles
Brother Cane Lyrics
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Tear through the fabric of a dream
You've been elected to find a way
Out of the grip that you are in
I'm so happy, this smilling face appears to be
I'm so happy, that you ain't me
Rapin' the one that share your name
Deal with the devil, a bad mistake
Smile and pretend beneath the pain
I'm so happy, what you are is lost on me
I'm so happy, that you ain't me
In Brother Cane's song Horses & Needles, the lyrics touch on difficult subjects such as addiction and the desire for escape. The first verse references both horses and needles, which are often associated with drug use. The idea that they run in vain suggests that the addiction or dependency is ultimately pointless and destructive. The phrase "tear through the fabric of a dream" implies that the addiction is ripping through the person's hopes and aspirations for the future. In this case, the individual has been "elected" to find a way out of their situation, but it is unclear who elected them or what that entails.
The second verse continues the allusions to addiction with the line "green for believin'", which could refer to the desire for more money to support a drug habit. The line "rapin' the one that share your name" could be interpreted in a few different ways - it may refer to stealing from family members or betraying those who are closest to you. The line "deal with the devil, a bad mistake" is a clear reference to the idea that addiction is a type of deal with the devil or a Faustian bargain. The final line of the verse reveals the true pain and suffering that is often hidden behind a smile or facade.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "I'm so happy" twice, but in a sarcastic or bitter tone. The line "this smiling face appears to be" suggests that the happiness is not genuine, but rather a front put up to conceal the true emotions or struggles. The final line of the chorus "that you ain't me" implies a sense of relief or gratitude for not being in the same situation as the person being addressed.
Line by Line Meaning
Horses and needles, run in vain
The futile attempt to escape addiction and its hold
Tear through the fabric of a dream
The devastation that addiction brings to one's life, shattering the dreams
You've been elected to find a way
Taking ownership of finding a solution to overcome addiction
Out of the grip that you are in
Breaking free from the clutches of addiction
I'm so happy, this smilling face appears to be
Sarcastic remark on how happiness can be feigned by one even in pain
I'm so happy, that you ain't me
Grateful for not being in someone else's shoes and dealing with their hardships
Green for believin' your head won't break
Naivety in believing that substance abuse won't have any harmful consequences
Rapin' the one that share your name
Hurting one's loved ones through one's addiction
Deal with the devil, a bad mistake
Giving in to temptation and making a terrible mistake
Smile and pretend beneath the pain
Pretending to be fine, masking the pain and struggle beneath the surface
I'm so happy, what you are is lost on me
Being oblivious to the true struggles of someone else
I'm so happy, that you ain't me
Grateful for not being in someone else's shoes and dealing with their hardships
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DAMON, FREDERIKSEN, MARTI JOHNSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind