The first album is more traditionally metal-sounding, drawing inspiration from Black Sabbath, Motörhead and 1970s Judas Priest, while the second has significant hardcore punk/crossover influence. Both are fit neatly into the speed thrash genre, however. The lyrical themes include nihilism, anti-religious sentiment, a mockery of racism, intolerance, and general human stupidity, a heap of cynicism, and explicit tongue-in-cheek depictions of gore and despair. For example, this line from "Ground Zero Brooklyn" sums up the band fairly well: "I shit my pants as I wait for the reaper!". Song titles like "Jesus Hitler", "Race War", and "God is Dead" are also representative.
The first Type O Negative album, Slow Deep and Hard, was partially composed from material originally written for Carnivore.
Several reunion shows took place over the years. One of the shows was at Wacken Open Air 2006, where they had an 1.25 hour setlist.
Original Carnivore guitarist Keith Alexander died in a biking accident on July 11, 2005.
Peter Steele died on April 14, 2010, at the age of 48.
Angry Neurotic Catholics
Carnivore Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The anger turned within
What do I gain for all my pain
Perhaps I seat in heaven?
Don't do what you want
Do what you're though right
Your life is built on paranoia and guilt
Don't forget your Valium to night
My mind is painful and swells
The punishment for what I've done
Is forever the paints of Hell
How come what is natural
Has to be a sin?
Why would God give me this urge
If I cannot give in?
They say don't give up
That Jesus loves me
But there are something he doesn't forgive
And am there fare worthless
And I don't deserve to live
I went down into my dazement
Confused and depressed
Put Black Sabbath on
Razor blade on hand
A Wilkinson I think
Ten slashes on each arm
My only wrong doing
Was being born human
And following my instincts
I never was happy
I never was save
So I shall be extinct
The last I am pure
Witness my sanguine penance
I don't need anyone
My souls been set free
Death is total independence
Stand up straight
Stomach in
Shoulders back
Sound off
Angry neurotic Catholics
It's a sin
Angry neurotic Catholics
It's a sin
The lyrics to Carnivore's song "Angry Neurotic Catholics" are a poignant commentary on a struggle with depression and self-harm, as well as questioning the conflicts between natural human instincts and religious doctrine. The first verse conveys a sense of despair and hopelessness, that despite the agony endured, there may be no reward in the afterlife. The second verse is a play on the often-used phrase "do what you want" by emphasizing the importance of doing what is thought to be right instead.
The chorus features the repetition of the phrase "Angry neurotic Catholics, it's a sin", which likely alludes to the sense of guilt and repression felt by those who are struggling with their faith or certain teachings within it. The third verse describes an extreme instance of struggling with depression, self-harm, and suicidal ideation, but it also highlights the feeling of being trapped by one's natural instincts and the belief that they are sinful. The final verse acknowledges that death can be seen as a freeing moment, as the pain and struggles of life are left behind.
Overall, the lyrics of "Angry Neurotic Catholics" provide a glimpse into the mental anguish and questioning that can arise from those who struggle to reconcile their natural human tendencies with religious and societal expectations.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm suffering from depression
I am experiencing a state of despair and hopelessness.
The anger turned within
My internalized frustration and resentment is causing me great distress.
What do I gain for all my pain
I wonder what I will achieve by going through all this suffering?
Perhaps I seat in heaven?
Maybe if I endure this pain, I will be rewarded with a place in paradise after death.
Don't do what you want
It is not advisable to follow your desires.
Do what you're though right
Rather, you should do what you believe to be morally correct.
Your life is built on paranoia and guilt
My existence is characterized by irrational fears and profound feelings of culpability.
Don't forget your Valium to night
I must not forget to take my medication to alleviate my anxiety.
The agony I must endure
I have to face a great deal of pain and suffering in my life.
My mind is painful and swells
My thoughts cause me immense discomfort and distress.
The punishment for what I've done
It feels like I am being penalized for my actions.
Is forever the paints of Hell
I am fated to suffer the torment of eternal damnation.
How come what is natural
Why is it that behaviors or inclinations that are instinctive or typical of humans are deemed to be immoral?
Has to be a sin?
Why should these impulses be labeled as transgressions?
Why would God give me this urge
If God created me with these natural desires, why would they be considered taboo?
If I cannot give in?
Why am I not allowed to act on them?
They say don't give up
People advise me not to lose faith and to persevere.
That Jesus loves me
That I am loved and valued by Jesus Christ as a Christian.
But there are something he doesn't forgive
However, some actions are considered unforgivable even by Jesus.
And am there fare worthless
As a result, I am considered to be of low value or importance.
And I don't deserve to live
My feelings of worthlessness are so great that I do not believe I am entitled to live a fulfilling life.
I went down into my dazement
I descended into a state of confusion and bewilderment.
Confused and depressed
My mental state was characterized by disorientation and despondency.
Put Black Sabbath on
I listened to music that reflected my feelings of sadness, despair, and anger.
Razor blade on hand
I held a sharp object in my hand.
A Wilkinson I think
It was most likely a type of blade made by Wilkinson Sword Company.
Ten slashes on each arm
I made repeated cutting motions on both of my arms with the blade.
My only wrong doing
The only thing I am guilty of is being born and having natural instincts.
Was being born human
The fact that I exist as a human being is my 'original sin'.
And following my instincts
In particular, following my natural inclinations is considered to be wrong or sinful.
I never was happy
I have never experienced joy or contentment in my life.
I never was save
I have always felt unsafe, whether physically or emotionally.
So I shall be extinct
As a result, the most desirable outcome is for me to cease to exist.
The last I am pure
My final act of purity or holiness will be to end my own life.
Witness my sanguine penance
You will witness me taking responsibility for my sins through my sacrificial bloodshed.
I don't need anyone
I do not require emotional support or approval from any other human beings.
My souls been set free
By relinquishing my physical form, I have freed my soul from the constraints of humanity.
Death is total independence
Death represents the ultimate form of liberation from the burdens of life.
Stand up straight
I attempt to present a brave and defiant exterior.
Stomach in
I maintain a strict posture to communicate strength and discipline.
Shoulders back
I will not allow my struggles to bring me down or diminish my resolve.
Sound off
I demand to be heard and taken seriously.
Angry neurotic Catholics
I am angry and anxious due to my religious upbringing and beliefs.
It's a sin
According to my understanding of Catholicism, my thoughts and behaviors are inherently immoral.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PETER THOMAS STEELE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind