Chelsea Joy Wolfe was born in Roseville, California, and grew up in Sacramento. She is of Norwegian and German descent. Her father was in a country band and owned a home studio. By the age of 7, she had written her first poem and by the age of 9, she had written and recorded songs which she later described as "basically Casio-based gothy R&B songs."
Inspired by the dark state of the world and the strange connection between all things, she creates a unique musical blend of goth-folk, experimental rock and spiritual realm funeral songs. With influences ranging from the great minds of Ingmar Bergman and David Lynch to Soviet and end-times literature, her songs conjure visions of other dimensions, claustrophobic echo-rooms and parking garage cathedrals.
Wolfe has recorded seven full length studio albums: The Grime and the Glow, which was released on December 28th, 2010 on limited vinyl through Brooklyn’s Pendu Sound Recordings; Ἀποκάλυψις (pronounced “Apokalypsis”), which was released as a 12” LP on August 23rd, 2011; Unknown Rooms: a Collection of Acoustic Songs, which was released on October, 2012 through Sargent House; Pain Is Beauty, out September 3rd, 2013; Abyss, which was released August 7th, 2015; and Hiss Spun, out September 22nd, 2017; Birth of Violence[7i] which was released on September 13th, 2019.
5. Destruction Makes The World Burn Brighter
Chelsea Wolfe Lyrics
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you got a front, well you better flaunt it
ate a piece of the devil's body
the face of the devil follows me
every day it feels like I'm running
and I'm headed straight for the blaze
and I can breathe when I'm underwater
and I'm ready with a finger on the trigger
ooh, who's that girl
who's that girl
she's only special in secret
and she's got her own familiar spirits
something inside of her rises and she knows
destruction makes the world burn brighter
who's that girl
who's that girl
(Use that gun)
who's that girl
who's that girl
I don't know what I ever wanted
you got a front well you better flaunt it
ate a piece of the devil's body
yea the face of the devil follows me
The lyrics of Chelsea Wolfe's song "5. Destruction Makes The World Burn Brighter" convey a sense of nihilism, rebellion, and self-destructive tendencies. The opening lines suggest a lack of direction or purpose, and a fixation on superficial appearances: "I don't know what I ever wanted/ you got a front, well, you better flaunt it." This could be interpreted as a critique of society's emphasis on image and status, which can lead people to prioritize external validation over personal growth and fulfillment.
The next lines introduce a disturbing image of consuming the "devil's body," which could represent indulging in destructive behavior or aligning oneself with malevolent forces. The repeated mention of the devil's face following the singer implies a sense of paranoia or guilt, suggesting that they may be aware of the negative consequences of their actions.
The chorus introduces the character of a mysterious woman who is "special in secret" and has her own spiritual connections. Her sense of agency and empowerment is connected to a willingness to embrace destruction, as the lyrics state that "something inside of her rises and she knows/ destruction makes the world burn brighter." This attitude could be interpreted as a form of rebellion against oppressive or restrictive social norms, or as an expression of the cathartic power of destruction and chaos.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't know what I ever wanted
I am uncertain about my desires and goals in life.
you got a front, well you better flaunt it
If you have attractiveness or charm, use it to your advantage.
ate a piece of the devil's body
I have tasted evil and corruption in my life.
the face of the devil follows me
I am haunted by the consequences of my actions and mistakes.
every day it feels like I'm running
I constantly feel like I am trying to escape or avoid something.
and I'm headed straight for the blaze
Despite the danger, I am moving towards a destructive situation.
and I can breathe when I'm underwater
I feel comfortable and at ease in difficult situations.
and I'm ready with a finger on the trigger
I am prepared for any situation and capable of taking action.
ooh, who's that girl
I am attracted to someone or something.
she's only special in secret
The object of my desire is not valued or respected by others.
and she's got her own familiar spirits
The object of my desire has her own unique traits and characteristics.
something inside of her rises and she knows
The object of my desire has a strong sense of self-awareness and purpose.
destruction makes the world burn brighter
Chaos and destruction can have a transformative effect on the world.
who's that girl
I remain intrigued by the object of my desire.
who's that girl
I am still trying to understand the object of my desire.
(Use that gun)
Take action and use your power to achieve your goals.
who's that girl
I am still searching for answers about the object of my desire.
who's that girl
I am still fascinated by the object of my desire despite my uncertainty.
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING
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