In February of 2003 their first EP, A Crescent Honeymoon, was released on Lookout! Records. Lookout! also released Poison Arrows, in June of 2004. With the departure of Cory in the fall of 2005, the band regrouped and brought in longtime friend Steve Lowensohn (formerly of bay area band The Cost). In the same year, the band released "Roses Are Black". In 2006, the band released "Walk Into The Light". In 2007, the Communique name was discontinued and the band became American Steel again.
Rattling Bones
Communiqué Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm right here underneath your skin
I take no joy in your fall from grace
I've a heavier heart in a darker world
Rattling bones of skeletons in my closet
Postcards and photographs, dusty old mistakes
Regrets and bitter medicine, I was a great success
Rattling bones
So where was I while you ran out to catch your death
With another's name upon your breath?
I was waltzing 8 a.m. on confetti rose petals
With rings on my fingers and bells on my toes
Rattling bones of skeletons in my closet
Postcards and photographs, dusty old mistakes
Regrets and bitter medicine, I was a great success
Rattling bones
Rattling bones
The opening lines of "Canonize the past and forge some future sins / I'm right here underneath your skin" sets the tone for the rest of the song. There are hints of regret and a struggle to make peace with the past, but the singer is still very present and connected to the other person as they share a physical space. Despite what may be going on inside them, they “take no joy in the other person's fall from grace," which suggests a deep level of empathy and compassion.
The chorus of the song is where the title arises, as we hear the line "rattling bones of skeletons in my closet." It's clear that the singer has gone through some significant experiences in their life, both positive and negative, and these are represented by the "postcards and photographs, dusty old mistakes" mentioned. The use of the phrase “great success” in this context shows that the singer has mixed feelings about their accomplishments, perhaps feeling as though they’ve paid a heavy price for their achievements.
In the second verse, the singer reflects on a moment where they weren't there for the other person. The specifics are left open to interpretation, but there's an undeniable sense of loss and sadness, as well as a touch of jealousy. The contrast between the singer's waltzing with joy and the other person's perceived danger adds to the complexity of the relationship, further highlighting the divide between them.
Overall, "Rattling Bones" is a song about the weight of the past, the struggles of the present, and the possibility of a better future. It's a poignant and thoughtful reflection on our relationships with ourselves and others, and how we navigate the many challenges life throws our way.
Line by Line Meaning
Canonize the past and forge some future sins
I want to make the past seem perfect and create new sins for the future.
I'm right here underneath your skin
I am constantly on your mind and in your thoughts.
I take no joy in your fall from grace
I don't feel happy or satisfied when you make mistakes.
I've a heavier heart in a darker world
I have a heavy and sad heart because the world is a dark and difficult place.
Rattling bones of skeletons in my closet
I have secrets and mistakes from my past that haunt me and won't go away.
Postcards and photographs, dusty old mistakes
I have physical reminders of my past mistakes in the form of postcards and old photos.
Regrets and bitter medicine, I was a great success
I have regrets and negative experiences, but I was still able to achieve success.
So where was I while you ran out to catch your death
I wasn't around when you were risking your life and making dangerous choices.
With another's name upon your breath?
Did you mention someone else's name while you were doing these risky things?
I was waltzing 8 a.m. on confetti rose petals
I was in a pleasant and carefree state of mind, enjoying the simple things in life.
With rings on my fingers and bells on my toes
I was adorned with jewelry and ready to embrace life.
Rattling bones of skeletons in my closet
I still have secrets and regrets from my past that bother me.
Postcards and photographs, dusty old mistakes
I still have physical reminders of my past mistakes, even though they may be old and dusty.
Regrets and bitter medicine, I was a great success
I am still successful, even though I have experienced regret and bitterness.
Rattling bones
The past still haunts me, and I can't shake off my mistakes.
Rattling bones
The past still haunts me, and I can't shake off my mistakes.
Contributed by Isabella L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.