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.
Skin Deep
By a Thread Lyrics
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I'm caught up for sometime I see, let it begin again
Why can't it be left this way, I've been sitting here all my life
I'm not choosing to go anywhere, but it's calling me
My words are written in stone but I don't know them
What is truth? I'm not so sure anymore
Tears are falling and I can't see what's facing
Tears are falling and I don't know why
I long for later, stop me before I ask for more
The lyrics to "Skin Deep" by By a Thread are filled with introspective musings about life, truth and redemption. The song begins with the singer acknowledging that they have been caught up in daydreams, but they are ready to let go and begin anew. Despite this, the singer feels conflicted about leaving their current position because they have been sitting there for so long, even though they know that something is calling them to move forward. The line "my words are written in stone but I don't know them" reflects the singer's frustration with feeling stuck and not knowing what to do next.
As the song progresses, the singer becomes increasingly uncertain about what truth really is. The line "What is truth? I'm not so sure anymore" suggests that the singer is struggling to make sense of the world around them. Tears are falling and the singer can't see what's facing them, which underscores their confusion and sense of disorientation. However, the singer also feels a sense of hope and optimism about redemption. They ask why it can't be forgiven and long for the tears to stop falling.
In the final verse, the singer reaches a turning point. They long for a future where they can move on from their current struggles, but they also recognize the importance of stopping themselves before they ask for more than they can handle. The lyrics to "Skin Deep" suggest that life is full of uncertainty and that it's easy to feel lost and unsure of oneself. However, there is also the possibility for growth, redemption and hope if one is willing to take a leap of faith and move forward.
Line by Line Meaning
The same position the last of the daydreams, carry on
Continuing on from where the last daydream ended
I'm caught up for sometime I see, let it begin again
I am stuck in the same situation, and need to start over
Why can't it be left this way, I've been sitting here all my life
Why can't I just stay in this comfort zone, where I've always been?
I'm not choosing to go anywhere, but it's calling me
I don't want to leave, but something is pulling me away
My words are written in stone but I don't know them
I have said things that may have been wrong, or unclear
What is truth? I'm not so sure anymore
I am uncertain about what is really true anymore
Tears are falling and I can't see what's facing
My emotions are clouding my perception of reality
Why can't it be forgiven my redemption
Why can't I be forgiven for my mistakes and given a chance to make things right?
Tears are falling and I don't know why
I am emotional, but unsure of the cause
I long for later, stop me before I ask for more
I am always wanting more and never satisfied with what I have, please help me stop this cycle
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DAVID CONLEY, EVERETT JOHN COLLINS, TIJUAN ALLEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind