Many of us were introduced to By a Thread from the Xbox game "Amped", yet it was for this very reason that BAT's second album (self-titled), which was recorded in 2006, wasn't released until 2011. Despite the positives that arose from the added avenue of exposure, the band members weren't aware that their entire first album was being placed onto a video game. Disputes with their record label ensued, the band broke up (2007), and the new songs senesced silently on a shelf for 5 years, effectively pushing those songs into an entirely different time and generation of listeners than their first record. With no active band backing them, BAT returned to their label to negotiate the release of the aging songs.
Many of the band's best recordings are found on scattered EP's and splits. The rawness and emotion that is found in "Daydreams" continues in these various recordings and versions of songs, bridging the gap between their first and second album. Songs like "Tainted", which was one of the band's favourite songs to open shows with, never made it onto an actual record; it can be found on the Revelation 100 compilation as well as on the By a Thread/Waterdown split EP. Also found on this split are "Seven Shades of Grey", a song that could have easily been found on their first record, "Tunnel Vision", a song that sees their hardcore roots shine through, and a version of "Tomorrow's Gone" that rocks harder than the version found on the second album. The By a Thread/Still Life Projector split EP has the earlier versions of "Dive In", "Haro", "Line Ups" and "Bloodshed", once again, all versions that rock harder than the versions found on the second album; they provide a true extension of the feel captured on "The Last of the Daydreams".
The second album, self-titled (2006/2011), was produced much differently than their previous material. The album was perhaps overproduced to some extent, having the effect of removing the rawness that characterized the band through so much of its existence, replacing it with polish. That being said, there are still gems on the second record like "Fashion", "Reign" and "Eight Track Mind".
Perhaps one day By a Thread will get back together for a reunion. The music and the fans still tug at the hearts of the band members.
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A reunion almost happened in January 2013 after By a Thread agreed to play the Revelation Records 25th anniversary show at the House of Blues in Chicago. Set to play alongside the likes of Gorilla Biscuits and Youth of Today, By a Thread began rehearsing after 6 years of inactivity. However, ultimately it wasn't meant to be, as despite a month of preparation, one of the band members backed out due to personal reasons less than one week before the show.
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By a Thread Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know I can't disguise the way I feel
Lift the pages I once knew outside lay the ashes alone
And I was taken by the hand tonight
And I won't fade into the distance
Watch the sickness hold the mirror
The simplest of times I know
As we force ourselves through another year
Fade Away
I know I can't disguise the way I feel
And I won't fade into the distance
I'm setting circles
The song "Fade" by By a Thread is a powerful depiction of the struggle within oneself when faced with the challenges of life. The lyrics speak of taking chances and being truthful about one's emotions. The singer acknowledges that they cannot hide their feelings, and their vulnerability is portrayed when they sing, "I know I can't disguise the way I feel." The song takes the listener on a journey of self-discovery as the singer navigates their emotions and priorities.
The lyrics also mention lifting the pages of the past, only to find ashes. This metaphor implies that the singer is trying to move past a difficult moment in their life, but they are met with the remains of their past. The line "and I was taken by the hand tonight" introduces a sense of comfort, implying that someone is helping the singer through their hardships. However, the line "watch the sickness hold the mirror" contradicts this, suggesting that the struggle is still present and that they are still searching for a way out.
The chorus of the song speaks of not fading away and setting circles. It could mean that the singer is determined not to let their struggles consume them, but instead to keep fighting and breaking free from the cycle of negativity. The song closes with the line "fade away," which could be interpreted as a plea to leave the past behind, to move on from whatever it is that is holding them back.
Line by Line Meaning
Take a chance for me
Please take a risk with me
I know I can't disguise the way I feel
I cannot hide my true emotions
Lift the pages I once knew outside lay the ashes alone
Open up the book of memories, all that remains are the remnants of the past
And I was taken by the hand tonight
Someone led me or helped me today
And I won't fade into the distance
I refuse to disappear into the vast unknown
Watch the sickness hold the mirror
See how the illness reflects back at us
The simplest of times I know
I am aware of the most basic moments
And I force myself through another day
I push myself through the struggles of another day
As we force ourselves through another year
As we endure another year of hardships
Fade Away
Disappear into the unknown
I'm setting circles
I'm going around in circles, repeating the same actions
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CLARK KELLY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind