Its first release was the album "Advanced/Decay" in 2001 on Tonedeaf Records. Its style was electro-industrial. It gained widespread attention, particularly with the moody dance track "Regrets", which was also released as a single and became a danceclub hit.
Soon after the September 11, 2001 attacks, Matt Cargill joined the U.S. military and was no longer available as a member of Cesium 137. Cesium 137 had a hiatus of three years before their next release.
That release was "Elemental" in 2004; it was issued with Metropolis Records, a much more prominent label than Tonedeaf. It was soon followed by an E.P. release, "Luminous", also in 2004 on Metropolis; it composed largely of remixed material from "Elemental". Cesium 137's style was much mellower and synthpoppy and less angst-ridden on these releases than on "Advanced/Decay". Whether that was simply a natural progression or whether Cargill was the sole source of angst and took it with him to the military is an open question. In 2006 Cesium 137 released "Intelligent Design". And their latest album "Proof of Life" was released in 2007. Like its predecessor, both were released by Metropolis.
Cesium 137 is named after a radioactive isotope of cesium. It continues a tradition in industrial music of incorporating a number in the band name, which became popular after the example of Front 242. It also continues the narrower tradition in industrial music of adopting the name of an isotope as the band name, as with Carbon 12 and Front 242 offshoot Cobalt 60.
Keep Me
Cesium:137 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When the serpents gather at your feet
Know that sometimes angels aren't so wise
Hear my voice; you don't have to walk with fear
Though we may be apart, keep me close to your heart
I've given you more than my name
This fragile legacy Take my strength
When the world defeats you
Binds you in tragedy
Take my strength
Oh, my son
When the wolves are at your door
By cowardice in their bark
And humor in their minds
Keep these words
Stand still with courage
Silent wars are fought
Keep me close to your heart
I've given you more than my name
This fragile legacy
Take my strength
When the world defeats you
Binds you in tragedy
Take my strength
I've given you more than my name
This fragile legacy
Take my strength
When the world defeats you
Binds you in tragedy
Take my strength
Please
The song "Keep Me" by Cesium:137 is a heartfelt message from a father to his son. The lyrics convey a sense of protection, urging the son to remain strong even when faced with difficult situations. The song starts with the father advising his son to not be afraid, even when the serpents gather at his feet. He reminds him that sometimes even angels make mistakes, and advises him to keep the father's voice in his heart even though they may be apart. The son is then reminded that the father has given him more than just his name, and asks him to take his strength when the world may bind him with tragedy.
As the song progresses, the father urges his son to stay strong in the face of adversity. He reminds him that there may be wolves at his door, but advises him to stand still with courage. The humor in their minds is portrayed as cowardice in their barks, but the son is urged to keep these words close to his heart. The father again reminds his son that he has given him more than just his name, and asks him to take his strength when the world defeats him.
The lyrics of "Keep Me" convey a strong message of love and protection. The father is urging his son to stay strong even when faced with the difficult situations of life. The son is being reminded that his father has given him everything of value and that he should take his strength and rely on it when needed.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, my son
The singer is addressing his son, implying a father-son relationship.
When the serpents gather at your feet
When people with harmful intentions surround you.
Know that sometimes angels aren't so wise
Not everyone who appears to have good intentions may actually be wise enough to advise you correctly.
Hear my voice; you don't have to walk with fear
Listen to my words of encouragement and do not let fear control you.
Though we may be apart, keep me close to your heart
Even when physically separated, maintain an emotional connection to me.
I've given you more than my name
I've given you more than just my surname, implying a deeper connection and support.
This fragile legacy
The gift I have given you may appear delicate, but it holds great value and meaning.
Take my strength
Use my support and guidance when you face challenges.
When the world defeats you, binds you in tragedy
When life gets tough and you feel trapped in despair.
Oh, my son
Repeating the earlier line to emphasize the father-son relationship and concern.
When the wolves are at your door
When danger threatens you on your doorstep.
By cowardice in their bark and humor in their minds
The attackers are disguised as harmless or even humorous, but they are in fact cowardly and malicious.
Keep these words
Remember my advice and wisdom.
Stand still with courage
Do not run away or be intimidated, but face the threat with bravery.
Silent wars are fought
Sometimes battles are not loud and visible, but quietly fought within oneself.
Take my strength
Repeating the earlier line to re-emphasize the support offered.
I've given you more than my name
Repeating the earlier line to re-emphasize the depth of the relationship.
This fragile legacy
Repeating the earlier line to re-emphasize the value and significance of the gift.
Take my strength
Repeating the earlier line to re-emphasize the availability of support and guidance.
When the world defeats you, binds you in tragedy
Repeating the earlier line to re-emphasize the empathy towards difficult times and the willingness to offer assistance.
Take my strength
Repeating the earlier line to end on the reassuring note of ongoing support.
Contributed by Ian L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.