In 1996, the band played the very first Ozzfest. In 1997, their first album Coal Chamber was released; it produced one single and a video, "Loco" (the video was also added after the end credits of Dee Snider's horror film Strangeland, the soundtrack for which the band also recorded an exclusive song).
Their second album Chamber Music followed in 1999. Between the releases, Foss married Sevendust drummer Morgan Rose and became pregnant, necessitating another bass player on tour, a role filled by Nadja Peulen. Foss came back for the recording of Coal Chamber's third album, Dark Days (2002), but left after the studio sessions to raise her daughter. The band's only single and video was the song "Fiend."
Their 4th album Rivals released on May 19th, 2015. The singles on it were I.O.U Nothing and Rivals. It stepped away from the gothic elements from the last 2 albums and was described as groove/nu metal. They disbanded a year after the album was released.
They reunited in 2022, and so far no hints of new music will be released.
I
Coal Chamber Lyrics
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I travel as I hunger for the darkness below me
When I'm praying for the light above
To save this soul inside me
Should I? Would I? Could I?
Outcast from my own kind never knowing
How could they live with what their doing
Twist of my spine
Oh god fuck
I don't get it
Breathe with me
Just breathe with me
It's up to me as I hunger
Lay slow and still as I wonder
Pray for darkness down in this hollow
But I try to grope
It's up to me as I sleep again
My body lays down as I holler
It's all inside but I confess in me
I like me
These lyrics from Coal Chamber's song "I" talk about a sense of being let down and searching for something greater. The singer is traveling through darkness and hungering for something more. They are praying for a higher power to save them from the darkness below, while also questioning if they should, would, or could take action themselves. They feel like an outcast, soaring through their own mind without knowing how others can live with what they're doing. The singer experiences physical pain, with a twist in their spine causing them to curse, but they also feel a sense of confusion and frustration, with the line "I don't get it." They ask for someone to breathe with them, indicating a desire for connection or comfort, and the refrain of "it's up to me" appears throughout the lyrics as the singer struggles with their own agency and direction. Ultimately, the song ends with a declaration of self-love and acceptance, with the line "it's all inside but I confess in me, I like me."
Overall, these lyrics explore themes of isolation, struggle, and self-acceptance. The imagery of darkness and pain create a sense of discomfort and unease, while the refrain of "it's up to me" creates a sense of agency and responsibility. The final line, where the singer expresses a liking for themselves, suggests a sense of growth and acceptance.
Line by Line Meaning
Let down through the breakthrough
I am falling down into the depths of darkness, with no control over my descent
I travel as I hunger for the darkness below me
I seek out the darkness that lies beneath me, as I am drawn to it in some unknown way
When I'm praying for the light above
Despite my attraction to the darkness, I also find myself yearning for the light that is far above me
To save this soul inside me
I hope that the light can provide salvation for the inner turmoil I am feeling
Should I? Would I? Could I?
I am filled with doubts and questions about my own abilities and choices
Outcast from my own kind never knowing
I feel like I don't belong among those like me, and I am constantly searching for understanding and a sense of belonging
Soaring through my own mind never knowing
I am lost in my own thoughts and fears, with no clear direction or answers
How could they live with what their doing
I am judging and questioning the actions of others, without fully understanding their motivations or circumstances
Twist of my spine
I am experiencing physical pain, possibly from the stress and anxiety I am feeling
Oh god fuck
I am feeling a mix of frustration and desperation, as I struggle to find my way and make sense of my life
I don't get it
Despite my efforts, I am unable to understand or make sense of the world around me
Breathe with me
I am seeking comfort and connection with others, in the hopes of finding some peace or solace from my internal struggles
Just breathe with me
I am begging for someone to join me in my struggles, to share the burden of my pain and anxiety
It's up to me as I hunger
I am the only one responsible for my actions and choices, even as I am drawn towards darkness
Lay slow and still as I wonder
I am taking time to reflect and consider my options, even as I am unsure of what my next move should be
Pray for darkness down in this hollow
I am seeking out the comfort and familiarity of the darkness, hoping that it will provide me with answers or understanding
But I try to grope
Despite my attempts to find my way, I am struggling to navigate my path and find clarity
It's up to me as I sleep again
Even in my unconscious state, I am responsible for the choices I make and the path I choose
My body lays down as I holler
I am experiencing intense feelings of pain and frustration, despite my physical state of rest
It's all inside but I confess in me
I am struggling with intense emotions and feelings, and I am unable to express them to others
I like me
Despite my inner turmoil and struggles, I am still content with who I am as a person
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: NATALIE BAROWITZ, EMMA BELL, PAULA COX, BELINDA CULLEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind