Converge have enjoyed a relatively high level of recognition. According to AllMusic, they are "regarded as one of the most original and innovative bands to emerge from the punk underground." Their popularity rose with the release of Jane Doe, which was ranked as the best album of 2001 by Terrorizer and later as the 61st Best Metal Album of All Time by Rolling Stone. Subsequently, Converge moved from Equal Vision Records to the considerably larger label Epitaph Records and their records gradually became more elaborate and expensive to produce. Special releases have traditionally been handled by Deathwish Inc., established by Bannon in 1999. The band's ninth studio album, The Dusk in Us, was released in November 2017 through Deathwish and Epitaph.
Under Duress
Converge Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't need your war to find peace
I don't need to learn to live in compromise
I will never kneel and kiss your ring
The sickness spreads under duress
Compassion bends under duress
Wouldn't need a gun if you didn't have one
Don't need you to serve or protect
To enter the belly of the beast
The delusions of control
Are rotting the root of the tree
It's the fear that keeps you there
And it's mine that sets me free
The opening lines of "Under Duress" by Converge assert a sense of inner strength and courage that transcends physical protection. The singer declares that their heart is their ultimate shield, emphasizing the power of emotional integrity over external defenses. This stance is further reinforced by the rejection of external conflict as a means to achieve peace. The lyrics suggest a rejection of violence and a commitment to finding inner peace without resorting to warfare or aggression.
The theme of resistance and defiance continues as the singer rejects the idea of compromise in their way of life. They refuse to conform or submit to external pressures, vowing never to bow down and submit to authority or power structures. This defiance is underscored by the mention of not kneeling and kissing a ring, symbolizing a refusal to submit to hierarchical systems of control. The lyrics convey a sense of individuality and autonomy, highlighting a determination to live on one's own terms, even in the face of pressure to conform.
The song delves deeper into the concept of duress, exploring how external forces can corrupt and distort compassion. Under duress, the natural empathy and kindness one may possess can be twisted or compromised, leading to a spreading of sickness and a bending of compassion. This could be interpreted as a commentary on how oppressive systems or circumstances can erode individuals' ability to act with empathy and kindness, illustrating the damaging effects of external pressures on human behavior. The lyrics paint a bleak picture of the consequences of being under duress, highlighting the ways in which it can corrupt and distort fundamental aspects of humanity.
The final lines of the song juxtapose fear and freedom, contrasting the singer's sense of liberation with the fear that ensnares others. The singer articulates a sense of inner freedom that allows them to break free from the constraints that keep others trapped in fear and control. This sense of personal agency and autonomy is contrasted with the delusions of control that rot the foundation of oppressive systems. Ultimately, the lyrics of "Under Duress" suggest a deep-seated resistance to external pressures and a commitment to maintaining one's integrity, autonomy, and freedom in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't need a helmet if I have my heart
I don't need protection if I have my inner strength and courage
Don't need your war to find peace
I don't need conflict or violence to achieve peace
I don't need to learn to live in compromise
I refuse to settle for less or compromise my values
I will never kneel and kiss your ring
I will never submit or bow down to authority or power
The sickness spreads under duress
Challenges and pressure can lead to negative outcomes
Compassion bends under duress
Even empathy can falter under extreme pressure
Wouldn't need a gun if you didn't have one
I wouldn't feel the need for weapons if there were no threats
Don't need you to serve or protect
I don't rely on others for my safety or well-being
I am not a number just patiently waiting
I refuse to be categorized or controlled, biding my time
To enter the belly of the beast
To confront or challenge the source of danger or adversity
The delusions of control
False beliefs about power and authority
Are rotting the root of the tree
Undermining the foundation or core of society
It's the fear that keeps you there
Fear can trap and constrain individuals
And it's mine that sets me free
My own strength and courage liberate me from fear
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Jacob Bannon, Kurt Ballou, Nate Newton, Ben Koller
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sean
My god his vocals have improved. He's always sounded like he was ripping out his own throat, but now it sounds like all his organs are coming up with it. So amazing to have some new stuff again.
Inquizition
Greatest way to describe his vocals. Would upvote again A++++
Metatron Tumultum
Mad excited for the new converge. Also I feel like Jacob improved his vocals here. This is one of his better performances. Converge is god tier stuff. They help me suffer a little less from Dillinger Escape Plans break up.
Gabriel Rendón
wow,, breaking bad?, firts person I know that has seen the most watched series on earth... and OZARK?? such greatness... never knew anyone that had access to Netflix.
Freebase Tha God
While every one is a sheep and is listening to lady gaga and lorde or some other dance trash or trap trash. I'm listening to Brian eno flying lotus earl sweatshirt nas wutang Bjork suffocation agoraphobic nosebleed and converge. While every one watches the same shitty jumpscare horror flick or dumb comedy, I'm watching ozark or breaking bad or sopranos broken flowers dahmer session 9... Goddamn I love being me !!
Freyr Eld-ár
Samesies
Brett
no doubt, i feel like converge is one of the only bands that is 9 albums deep in their career but still relevant as ever. they just continue to build momentum and have never really dropped at all. it's rare for a band to stand above an album like jane doe but converge has done it and are doing it with as much fury as ever
baby
god tearing & also god tier
Eduardo Berton
Converge will probably never make a dull album. They're on another fucking level!
Devin-thatguy
Kekligula damn i fuck w/ Dillinger haha yeah i used to sleep on jersey cause its beat up but that goes for so many places that also birth fire music....even in rap, Da$h, RetcH, Hodgy Beats, & Buttress are all from NJ & theyre all so hard