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.
Manic Depression
Carnivore Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know what I want but I just don't know how to heh!
Go about gettin' it
Feelin' sweet feelin' drops fom my fingers
Manic depression is a catchin' my soul yeah
Woman so weary the sweet cause in vain
You make love you break love it's all the same when it's
Music sweet music I wish I could caress caress caress
Manic depression is a frustrating mess!
Well I think I'll go turn myself off and go on down all the way down
Really ain't no use in me hangin' around in your kind-a scene
Music sweet music I wish I could caess and a kiss kiss
Manic depression is a frustratin' mess!
Music sweet music sweet music sweet music
Music sweet music sweet music yeah
The song "Manic Depression" by Carnivore is about struggling with manic depressive disorder. The lyrics express confusion and frustration with the disorder in a powerful way. The singer describes feeling like the disorder is "touching" their soul and causing them to feel drops of emotion they can't control. They know what they want, but don't know how to go about getting it.
The second verse introduces a woman who is also struggling with love and the same emotional rollercoaster as the singer. The line "Music sweet music I wish I could caress" evokes a longing for comfort and solace. The singer wishes they could touch music like a person to feel its soothing effects.
The final verse is perhaps the most poignant, as the singer talks about turning themselves off and away from the world. The frustration and pain caused by the disorder is too overwhelming, and they feel there's no place for them in the world. However, the repetition of "Music sweet music" suggests that at least in the moment, music can provide a temporary escape or respite.
Overall, the lyrics to "Manic Depression" capture the feelings of struggle and desperation that are often a part of coping with mental illness.
Line by Line Meaning
Manic depression is touchin' my soul
I'm struggling with intense mood swings that affect me deeply.
I know what I want but I just don't know how to heh!
I have goals and desires, but I feel lost and unable to achieve them.
Go about gettin' it
I need to figure out how to attain my aspirations.
Feelin' sweet feelin' drops fom my fingers
I have moments of intense joy and inspiration, but they slip away quickly.
Manic depression is a catchin' my soul yeah
My mood swings are beginning to consume me entirely.
Woman so weary the sweet cause in vain
A woman's efforts to find happiness and fulfillment have left her exhausted and unsatisfied.
You make love you break love it's all the same when it's
Entering relationships only results in heartbreak, and it feels pointless.
When it's over
Once the relationship ends, the woman is left feeling hollow and unfulfilled.
Music sweet music I wish I could caress caress caress
Music is a source of comfort for the woman, and she longs to be able to hold onto it forever.
Manic depression is a frustrating mess!
My mood swings are causing me immense frustration and pain.
Well I think I'll go turn myself off and go on down all the way down
I feel like I need to detach from my thoughts and feelings and disconnect entirely.
Really ain't no use in me hangin' around in your kind-a scene
I don't feel like I belong in this world or in certain social circles.
Music sweet music I wish I could caess and a kiss kiss
The woman still finds solace in music and longs to hold onto it and experience its beauty intimately.
Manic depression is a frustratin' mess!
This overwhelming mood disorder is causing unbearable frustration.
Music sweet music sweet music sweet music
Despite my struggles, music remains a sweet and soothing constant in my life.
Music sweet music sweet music yeah
Music is a powerful and important presence that helps me cope with difficult emotions.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Jimi Hendrix
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind