Former members include Derek Webb (guitar, vocals; left the band in 2003 to pursue a solo career), Aaron Tate (songwriting duties), Aric Nitzberg (bass guitar), and Randy Holsapple (hammond organ).
Recently Derek Webb rejoined the band.
Manner and Means
Caedmon's Call Lyrics
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The heart is a sad thing to lose in the throws of a fight
The heart is the match to the fire
And the embers of desire, to keep it burning
I am a shell of the manner and the means
Mine is a story of nothing as it seems
But when we have come this far
When it's over, and you see it with your eyes
Would you rather have the truth or a lie?
I call for angels to breathe holy on this rust
I call the snakes to come out slowly from the brush
I need a massive overhaul
A revival to fall, to keep it burning
When it's over, and you see it with your eyes
Would you rather have the truth or a lie?
When it's over, and you see it with your eyes
Would you rather have the truth or a lie?
The heart is a costly thing to sell in the prime of the years
And my heart is thinly veiled in the usual fears
The heart is the dream, and the kiss
That there could be more than this, to keep it burning...
Burning
Keep it burning
To keep it burning
To keep it burning
To keep it burning
The lyrics of "Manner and Means" by Caedmon's Call delve into the struggles of the heart and the search for meaning and purpose. The first stanza establishes the importance and fragility of the heart, describing it as a lonely and sad thing to lose. However, the heart is also portrayed as the source of passion and desire, the match that ignites the fire. The chorus asks a poignant question about the nature of truth and whether it's preferable to know the harsh reality of a situation or to live in ignorance and deception.
The second stanza introduces the singer's own story, which is described as a shell of the manner and means. Despite the lack of tangible achievements or success, the question remains whether the fire of the heart can continue to burn even without a clear sense of identity. The bridge calls upon divine intervention, asking for a transformative revival to take place, to breathe new life into the heart's flame. The final stanza reflects on the cost of selling one's heart, the fear of settling for a mundane existence, and the desire for something more significant.
Overall, the song presents a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty, with the search for truth and purpose remaining elusive.
Line by Line Meaning
The heart is a lonely thing to lose in the dead of night
The loss of one’s heart brings a sense of loneliness especially in the darkest hour of the night.
The heart is a sad thing to lose in the throws of a fight
The heart is a source of great sadness during conflicts and fights.
The heart is the match to the fire
The heart is the fuel that ignites passion and enthusiasm.
And the embers of desire, to keep it burning
A person’s yearning and longing for something keeps their heart alive.
I am a shell of the manner and the means
The artist feels empty and devoid of purpose.
Mine is a story of nothing as it seems
The singer’s story is one of deception, things are not as they seem.
But when we have come this far
Despite all of the challenges thus far.
And still don't know who we are, does it keep burning?
Does one’s heart still burn even when their identity and sense of self are uncertain?
When it's over, and you see it with your eyes
After the experience has come to an end and everything is in plain sight.
Would you rather have the truth or a lie?
Do you prefer the uncomfortable truth or a comforting lie?
I call for angels to breathe holy on this rust
The singer seeks divine intervention to improve their current situation.
I call the snakes to come out slowly from the brush
The artist is ready to confront and face any hidden dangers and risks in their life.
I need a massive overhaul
The singer requires a significant transformation in their life.
A revival to fall, to keep it burning
The singer needs a reawakening to sustain and rekindle their heart’s desire.
The heart is a costly thing to sell in the prime of the years
Giving up one’s heart or passion at the peak of their life is a significant loss.
And my heart is thinly veiled in the usual fears
The artist’s heart is hidden behind common worries and anxieties.
The heart is the dream, and the kiss
The heart embodies a person’s aspirations and hopes.
That there could be more than this, to keep it burning...
The belief that something greater lies beyond their current reality keeps their heart alive.
Burning
To continually burn with passion and desire.
Keep it burning
To maintain the fire within oneself.
To keep it burning
Sustaining one’s heart’s desire and passion.
To keep it burning
To continue igniting one's passion and enthusiasm.
Contributed by Makayla W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.