Candiria was initially formed in 1992 by vocalist Carley Coma, guitarists Chris Puma and Eric Matthews, drummer Kenneth Schalk, and bassist Michael MacIvor. Even early on they were creating unusual music, with vocals that ranged from dry barks to rap. Chris and Eric's guitar have set Candiria's rhythmic style as riffing with little melody interrupted by jazzy chord progressions during the jazz breaks. Ken Schalk's drumming often consists of laying down a groove while staying true to the non-conventional time signatures that dominate the music, paired up with Michael's unusual bass lines. Michael, in fact, may be the least metal-influenced member of the group, as apparent in his melodically complex basslines which frequently do not follow the guitar riffs.
Chris Puma was replaced by John Lamacchia before 1997's Beyond Reasonable Doubt, while Lamacchia himself left the band after 2004's What Doesn't Kill You.... The latter album features a cover photograph of the band's van after a heavy traffic accident it endured in 2002. It took the band members considerable time to recover from their injuries.
As of 2005, Eric Matthews is no longer in the band.
Drummer Ken Schalk has been involved in a free-jazz side project named Ghosts Of The Canal, who have thus far released two full-length albums, Sessions from the Flats (1999) and Five Episodes From the Subconsious (2002), as well as two non-album tracks which appeared on the bonus disc of Candiria's The C.O.M.A. Imprint.
"Candiria" is plural for "candiru," a small blood-sucking Amazonian fish that lodges itself in the urethras of unwary bathers.
Discography
Albums
1994 - Subliminal (Demo Tape)
1995 - Surrealistic Madness (Too Damn Hype)
1997 - Beyond Reasonable Doubt (Too Damn Hype)
1999 - The Process Of Self-Development (MIA Records)
2001 - 300 Percent Density (Century Media)
2002 - The Coma Imprint (Lakeshore)
2004 - What Doesn't Kill You... (Type A)
2008 - Kiss The Lie
The C.O.M.A. Imprint
Not exactly a proper album, this is in fact a re-recording of Candiria's 1997 album Beyond Reasonable Doubt, featuring newly remastered and/or recorded songs. It includes a bonus disc which features songs from several bands signed to Carley Coma's label C.O.M.A., as well as two songs from Ghosts of the Canal.
2002 - The C.O.M.A. Imprint (Lakeshore)
Down
Candiria Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Curse my pride, I react, play yourself again
Up, down and down again
You live in a computer, you're an instant man
Judged and told I can't, cut your shallow hands
How can I please all of your needs?
What do you see when you see me?
I can't reach you
Step back, heard your point of view
Stand up, lay down for no one
Take a piece of me with you
Step back, now that I know you
I know, you're down for no one
I bow down to no one, you like the faith
Stand behind me, find your way
You know you will decide
Move on with me or step aside
I could have lost my life
And I'm made to risk it one more time
How can I please all of your needs?
What do you see when you see me?
I can't reach you
Step back, heard your point of view
Stand up, lay down for no one
Take a piece of me with you
Step back, now that I know you
I know, you're down for no one
I can't reach you
Step back, heard your point of view
Stand up, lay down for no one
Take a piece of me with you
Step back, now that I know you
I know you're down for no one
I can't reach you
Step back, heard your point of view
Stand up, lay down for no one
Take a piece of me, take a piece of me
Take a piece of me with you
The lyrics of Candiria's song Down is a powerful expression of resistance and self-determination. The song is about standing up against external forces that attempt to control and define our identity, worth, and place in the world. The opening lines reveal the artist's refusal to conform to the expectations and standards of others. The reference to shedding broken skin implies a sort of rebirth or transformation, a rejection of one's past self and all that has weighed it down. The artist curses their pride, which suggests a willingness to let go of ego and embrace a more grounded and authentic self.
The line "Up, down and down again, you live in a computer, you're an instant man" seems to be a critique of the digital age and society's tendency to value instant gratification and superficiality over substance and complexity. The reference to being an "instant man" speaks to the pressure to conform to a certain image or persona, to present a polished and marketable version of oneself. The artist rejects this kind of shallow existence, refusing to be judged or defined by others.
The chorus repeats the phrase "Step back, heard your point of view, stand up, lay down for no one." This is a call to embrace one's independence and agency, to resist the pressures of conformity and the desire for approval. The artist acknowledges that they can't please everyone and that they have to make choices that may not be popular. The repeated use of the phrase "take a piece of me with you" suggests a willingness to connect with others on one's own terms, to share oneself authentically and vulnerably without sacrificing one's integrity or self-worth.
Overall, Candiria's song Down is a powerful affirmation of individuality and resilience in the face of societal pressure to conform. It is a call to embrace our unique selves and stand up for what we believe in, even when it is difficult or unpopular.
Line by Line Meaning
I cannot sit back, shed my broken skin
I can't just sit idly by and ignore my flaws and mistakes
Curse my pride, I react, play yourself again
I admit my pride can get in the way and cause me to repeat the same mistakes
Up, down and down again
Life has its ups and downs, but it can feel like more downs than ups at times
You live in a computer, you're an instant man
You rely too heavily on technology and instant gratification
Judged and told I can't, cut your shallow hands
I won't let others' judgments and criticisms stop me from pursuing my dreams
How can I please all of your needs?
I can't possibly fulfill everyone's expectations and desires
What do you see when you see me?
I wonder what others perceive when they look at me
I can't reach you
I feel like there's a communication barrier between us
Step back, heard your point of view
I need to take a moment to listen to your perspective
Stand up, lay down for no one
I won't compromise my values or beliefs for anyone
Take a piece of me with you
I want to leave a lasting impression on you
Now that I know you, I know you're down for no one
Now that I understand you better, I see that you won't back down for anyone
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CLIFTON J. ROGERS, DON NIX, MICHAEL WAYNE ATHA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind