controller.controller was a Canadian indie rock band from Toronto, Ontario.… Read Full Bio ↴controller.controller was a Canadian indie rock band from Toronto, Ontario. The band consisted of former vocalist Nirmala Basnayake, guitarists Colwyn Llewellyn-Thomas and Scott Kaija, bassist Ronnie Morris and drummer Jeff Scheven. The band took its name from a song by Shotmaker.

The band formed in 2002. Their rhythmic post-punk style has been compared by critics to Joy Division, The Slits and Public Image Ltd.
Their debut Ep, History, was released on Paper Bag Records in 2004. The follow-up album, X-Amounts, was released October 11, 2005.

Singer Nirmala Basnayake left the band in late 2006.

Silent Seven
Controller.Controller Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

So if we're good, this means of course,
That things can only go wrong.
And what's that, like, the law of averages?
It's like a natural rhythm, and we knew it all along.

But does that make it better?
This awareness, will it set our minds at ease tonight?
If we accept it, does that make it alright? will that make it better?

If we allow it, do you think we'll get some sleep tonight?
We should face it, that will make it all right.

You hid your cameras behind the tv screen.
That's not paranoia, just a faith in machines.
I know you know that i know you're watching me.
"i always feel like somebody's watching me."
But does that make it better?
This awareness, will it set our minds at ease tonight?
If we accept it, does that make it alright? will that make it better?
If we allow it, do you think we'll get some sleep tonight?
We should face it, that will make it all right.

(if things can go wrong, they'll only go wrong.
If things can go wrong, then things will go wrong.
If things can go wrong, they'll only go wrong.
If things must go wrong, then things must go wrong.)

What are we here for? we know what we're in for.
Why do we keep coming around?
I'm tied to your mind.

Can you read my thoughts?
"i'm dumbing you down, i'm dumbing you down."

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Controller.Controller's song Silent Seven seem to explore the idea of the inevitability of things going wrong in our lives. The opening lines of the song suggest that when things seem good, they are bound to take a turn for the worse sooner or later. This realization leads the lyrics to question whether we can find comfort in being aware of this natural rhythm of misfortune, or whether this awareness only magnifies our anxieties. The lyrics go on to question whether we should accept this state of things or fight against it, ultimately concluding that facing our problems head-on will lead to our peace of mind.

The song contains an interesting reference to the 80's rock classic "Somebody's Watching Me" by artist Rockwell. This reference highlights the creepy feeling of being watched which the lyrics evoke. The song also makes use of repetition to enhance the message, as seen in the repeated line "If things can go wrong, they'll only go wrong." The questioning of our purpose in life and our motivations is also explored, adding another layer of complexity to the lyrics.

Line by Line Meaning

So if we're good, this means of course,
If everything's good, then inevitably things will turn for the worse because it's just the natural pattern of things.

That things can only go wrong.
No matter how good things are, they will eventually go wrong.

And what's that, like, the law of averages?
Is it possible that this is a statistical law that things will go wrong after a good period?

It's like a natural rhythm, and we knew it all along.
It's a part of life's cycle and pattern, and we always knew it would happen.

But does that make it better?
Is it comforting to know that things will get worse?

This awareness, will it set our minds at ease tonight?
Will accepting this fact make us feel better tonight?

If we accept it, does that make it alright? will that make it better?
If we come to terms with it, will it make the experience better?

If we allow it, do you think we'll get some sleep tonight?
If we acknowledge the possibility of things going wrong, will we be able to get some rest?

We should face it, that will make it all right.
We need to confront this reality to make things better.

You hid your cameras behind the tv screen.
You secretly placed cameras behind the television.

That's not paranoia, just a faith in machines.
It's not a sign of irrational fear but rather of belief in the capability of technology.

I know you know that i know you're watching me.
I am aware that you are aware that I know you are surveilling me.

"i always feel like somebody's watching me."
The constant surveillance is making me feel nervous and paranoid.

(if things can go wrong, they'll only go wrong. If things can go wrong, then things will go wrong. If things can go wrong, they'll only go wrong. If things must go wrong, then things must go wrong.)
If the possibility of things going wrong exists, then it's highly likely that it will happen.

What are we here for? we know what we're in for.
We are aware of the inevitable struggles that will come our way, so why are we even here in the first place?

Why do we keep coming around?
Why do we continue to repeat the same cycle despite knowing it's futile?

I'm tied to your mind.
I am connected to your thoughts and actions.

Can you read my thoughts?
Are you aware of what I'm thinking and feeling?

"i'm dumbing you down, i'm dumbing you down."
I am controlling and manipulating you to lower your intelligence and awareness of situations.

Contributed by Addison P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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