Since its formation in 1991, the band line-up has included Neil Fallon (vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards), Tim Sult (lead guitar, backing vocals), Dan Maines (bass, backing vocals) and Jean-Paul Gaster (drums and percussion). To date, Clutch has released thirteen studio albums, and several rarities and live albums. Since 2008 the band have been signed to their own record label, Weathermaker.
Clutch (originally called “Glut Trip” and stemmed from “Moral Minority”) was formed in 1991 by Dan Maines (bass), Jean-Paul Gaster (drums), Tim Sult (guitar), and Roger Smalls (vocals) in Germantown, Maryland. Smalls soon departed and was replaced by Neil Fallon, a longtime schoolmate of the other members at Seneca Valley High School. The band quickly gained notice through constant touring. The 12" single “Passive Restraints” on the Earache label was Clutch’s first commercial release, garnering attention from other labels. Their debut LP, Transnational Speedway League, was released in 1993. It was followed by a self-titled album two years later that gained Clutch mainstream exposure. The band moved to the larger Columbia label for the 1998 album The Elephant Riders. They followed it in 1999 with a self-released groove-based album Jam Room.
On April 28, 2009 Clutch released Slow Hole to China, a collection of unreleased tracks.
On June 10, 2012, the band released a new single, “Pigtown Blues”, on iTunes, backed with an acoustic version of “Motherless Child” from Strange Cousins from the West.
On March 16, 2013 Clutch released their tenth album Earth Rocker which entered the Billboard Top 200 chart at #15 giving Clutch their highest chart position to date. It would remain on the chart for a total of 5 weeks. The album also reached #4 on iTunes’ overall Top 100 album charts and was #1 in their rock chart. Earthrocker won “Album of the Year” 2013 from British publication Metalhammer, and was rated highly on many rock/metal magazines’ and websites’ end-of-the-year “Top Tens”.
In an interview on January 7, 2015 with music and entertainment company 88 Miles West, Fallon stated that the band was heading to Dripping Springs, Texas, to record their upcoming eleventh album. Fallon states the venture to Texas was due to the relocation of record producer Machine, with whom they worked on Blast Tyrant and Earth Rocker, and who recently opened a new studio there. He stated in the interview that “Septemberish, give or take a couple of months” is when they hope to release the new album.
Their eleventh studio album is titled Psychic Warfare, and was released October 2, 2015. Fallon said the concept is influenced by science fiction author Philip K. Dick. “His general philosophy and questions have always crept into my lyrics, because I share an interest in it,” he adds. “On Earth Rocker, ‘Crucial Velocity’ was definitely a Philip Dick song for me. On this record, ‘X-Ray Visions’ certainly is.”. Gaster described the new material as more diverse than ever.
In April 2018, Neil Fallon announced through the radio station The Eagle Rocks that the band's twelfth studio album would be titled Book of Bad Decisions. The album will be released on September 7, 2018. The album was recorded at Sputnik Sound Studio in Nashville, Tennessee with producer and engineer Vance Powell.
On November 13, 2020 Released The Weathermaker Studios Vol. 1. A collection of re-recorded hits and 4 unreleased covers and songs.
On September 16,2022 Clutch released their 13th Studio album: Sunrise on Slaughter Beach.
Between 2004-2018 Clutch created seven straight top 10 releases on Billboard’s Independent Album Chart.
Neil Fallon – vocals, rhythm guitar, harmonica, keyboards, percussion
Tim Sult – lead guitar
Dan Maines – bass guitar
Jean-Paul Gaster – drums, percussion
10000 Witnesses
Clutch Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And recovering my cognisance
Spun a compass north by northwest
And took levity out for a long slow dance
Took a good look around, what did I see?
A big red tent and people comin' in like the tide of the sea
I ducked in to catch the shade
They say this year rock is comin' back jack
White gnashing teeth like wolves in a pack
Carnivorous, no mercy hon'
There's plenty here for everyone, so come get ya' some.
Ten thousand witnesses
Show 'em how it's done, son
Fist full of cottonmouth
Rock that podium
Walk on the ashes
No half-steppin', kid
Their fans are flashin', in expectation
Alright now
They say this year rock is comin' back jack
White gnashing teeth like wolves in a pack
Carnivorous, no mercy son
There's plenty here for everyone, so come get ya some.
While livin' on the lamb, it all cut loose
No more of the saints march on in
Gonna find my executioners
And show 'em exactly what it mean to live
Ten thousand witnesses
Show 'em how it's done, son
Fist full of cottonmouth
Rock that podium
Walk on the ashes
No half-steppin', kid
Their fans are flashin', in expectation
Alright now
They say this year rock is comin' back jack
White gnashing teeth like wolves in a pack
Carnivorous, no mercy hon
There's plenty here for everyone, so come get ya some.
They say this year rock is comin' back jack
White gnashing teeth like wolves in a pack
Carnivorous, no mercy hon
There's plenty here for everyone, so come get ya some.
The song "10000 Witnesses" by Clutch is a great example of their signature blues rock sound with heavy, distorted guitar riffs and soulful, gritty vocals. The lyrics describe the singer's experience of waking up after cheating death and stumbling upon a big red tent with a preacher inside claiming that rock is making a comeback. The preacher's fiery speech is an invitation for all to come and get a taste of the music, which the singer takes as a personal challenge to show them how it's done. He vows to walk on the ashes of his past and no longer be held back by those who once sought to take his life. The chorus repeats the line "they say this year rock is comin' back jack," emphasizing the excitement and anticipation that people have for the genre's return.
The song can be interpreted as a commentary on the state of rock music at the time it was written, with the idea of "rock coming back" suggesting that it had fallen out of popularity or become overshadowed by other genres. The lyrics also touch on themes of redemption, resilience, and the desire to prove oneself to those who doubted or opposed us. Overall, "10000 Witnesses" is a high-energy, raucous ode to the power of rock music and the determination of those who love it.
Line by Line Meaning
After defying the grip of the hangman's noose
Having survived a close call with the gallows, I felt a sense of liberation and defiance.
And recovering my cognisance
I regained my mental faculties and awareness of my surroundings.
Spun a compass north by northwest
I charted a new course in life, heading in a direction that felt right to me.
And took levity out for a long slow dance
I embraced a carefree attitude and enjoyed life to the fullest.
Took a good look around, what did I see?
Surveying my surroundings, I noticed a peculiar sight that captured my attention.
A big red tent and people comin' in like the tide of the sea
A large circus tent was attracting a huge crowd of people, making me curious to investigate.
I ducked in to catch the shade
I sought refuge from the sun's heat by going inside the tent.
Preacher jumped up all ablaze
A fervent preacher took the stage, eager to deliver a fiery sermon to the throngs of people assembled there.
They say this year rock is comin' back jack
Word on the street is that rock music is making a big comeback this year.
White gnashing teeth like wolves in a pack
Fans of heavy rock music are eager to see their favorite bands perform with great energy and intensity.
Carnivorous, no mercy hon'
The crowds are ravenous for the raw power and emotion of rock music, showing no mercy for those who can't keep up.
There's plenty here for everyone, so come get ya' some.
With so much to offer, there's something for every music fan to enjoy, so come and experience the excitement for yourself.
While livin' on the lamb, it all cut loose
During my time as a fugitive, I was free to live my life however I wanted, without fear of reprisal.
No more of the saints march on in
I'm no longer beholden to the moral strictures of society, and can make my own choices about how to live.
Gonna find my executioners
I'm determined to confront those who would seek to harm me, and show them that I won't be defeated so easily.
And show 'em exactly what it mean to live
I'm going to demonstrate my strength and tenacity, and prove that I'm fully alive and in charge of my own destiny.
Ten thousand witnesses
There are countless people who will bear witness to my triumphs and successes.
Show 'em how it's done, son
I'm ready to perform at the highest level and show everyone what I'm truly capable of.
Fist full of cottonmouth
I'm brimming with confidence and energy, feeling unstoppable and resilient.
Rock that podium
I'm going to take center stage and deliver a powerful performance that will leave the crowd in awe.
Walk on the ashes
I'll rise above the challenges and obstacles in my path, walking on the ashes of my enemies to reach new heights of achievement.
No half-steppin', kid
I won't hold back or give anything less than my absolute best, refusing to settle for anything less than total victory.
Their fans are flashin', in expectation
The audience is eagerly anticipating my performance, and is excited to see what I have in store for them.
Alright now
I'm ready to go all out and give a show-stopping performance that will solidify my reputation as a true rockstar and champion of life.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DAN MAINES, JEAN-PAUL GASTER, MICHAEL SCHAUER, NEIL FALLON, RICHARD TIMOTHY SULT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind