The band started as a hardcore punk band but later moved towards a slower and blues-tinged heavy metal sound. To date, the band has released ten studio albums, four EPs, one compilation, and one live album. Their first three studio albums―Eye for an Eye (1984), Animosity (1985) and Blind (1991)―attracted the attention of Columbia Records, who signed the band in 1993. Corrosion of Conformity found success with the release of their 1994 fourth studio album, Deliverance, which peaked at number 155 on the Billboard 200 and spawned the hits "Albatross" and "Clean My Wounds". Their 1996 follow-up Wiseblood was also successful, and at the time, it was Corrosion of Conformity's highest-charting album in the United States, peaking at number 104 on the Billboard 200. Their latest album, No Cross No Crown, was released on January 12, 2018 on Nuclear Blast Records, and became the band's first album to enter the Top 100 on the Billboard 200, where it peaked at number 67.
Backslider
Corrosion of Conformity Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But their hard to find
Some people roll you over
Then they blow your mind
Some have the will to occupy
Some people can't remember
But that's nothing new
Some people kill for lovingInluding me and you
I guarantee your time is due!!!
Blackfire illuminate the chosen few
Liars assassinate what's come for you
Distant winds spread salvation
Beat you down with shame
Once redeemed and gone forever
Never be unchained
The future steals what once remained
Some people speak the truth
Now there's no one else to blame
Then they try to beat you down
Boy, if you don't do the same
Choose me or choose eternal flame
Blackfire illuminate the chosen few
Liars assassinate what's come for you
Beware backsliders!
You need to know just why we were
Cuase I might be losing my mind
Deception of your mind
Chasing what once was inside
Onward for the truth absurd
I think we'll finally know why we were
Alone
Nobody knows the answer
They never question why
It happens every time
Spirit shines and now it's time to die
Lights dim and you can't remember
You pray you're homeward bound
Kill the dream and forget the memories
That was so profound
The revolution dies without a sound
Blackfire illuminate the chosen few
Liars assassinate what's come for you
Beware backslider!
You need to know just why we were
Cause you might be losing your mind
"Backslider" by Corrosion of Conformity seems to be a song about the existence of different types of people and their beliefs, choices, and actions. The reference to "some people knowing the order" but being hard to find suggests that there are people who possess knowledge and wisdom but are not necessarily visible or accessible. On the other hand, "some people roll you over, then they blow your mind" portrays the idea that some individuals have the power to influence and impress others, but they may not always have good intentions.
The lyrics also mention the contrast between those who have the will to occupy (take action, lead) and those who can't remember (probably referring to people who are passive or forgetful). The lines "Some people kill for loving, including me and you, I guarantee your time is due!!!" add a menacing tone to the song, indicating that everyone has the potential for violence or destruction. This could be interpreted as a reflection of society's flawed nature or as a warning against complacency.
The chorus contains the warning "Beware backsliders! / You need to know just why we were / Cause you might be losing your mind." This might be directed towards people who are drifting away from their beliefs or values, or who are susceptible to manipulation. The lines "Blackfire illuminate the chosen few / Liars assassinate what's come for you" suggest the struggle between those who seek the truth and those who undermine it.
Overall, "Backslider" is a song with a cryptic message that invites listeners to reflect on the complexities of human nature and the consequences of individual and collective choices.
Line by Line Meaning
Some people know the order
There are individuals who understand how the world works.
But their hard to find
Unfortunately, these people are difficult to locate or come by.
Some people roll you over
Certain people will deceive or take advantage of you.
Then they blow your mind
Their actions can leave you stunned or confused.
Some have the will to occupy
There are those who are determined to make their mark or take control.
Some people can't remember
Some individuals have poor memory retention.
But that's nothing new
This is not an uncommon trait.
Some people kill for loving
Some individuals are willing to go to extreme measures for the sake of love.
Inluding me and you
This includes everyone, even the listener.
I guarantee your time is due!!!
Death is inevitable for all.
Blackfire illuminate the chosen few
Certain people possess an inner light or special quality that sets them apart.
Liars assassinate what's come for you
Those who deceive can bring about your downfall or demise.
Distant winds spread salvation
Hope or redemption can come from unexpected places or sources.
Beat you down with shame
Guilt or regret can weigh heavily on someone.
Once redeemed and gone forever
If someone is saved or redeemed, they will never be the same.
Never be unchained
They will never be free from the change that has occurred within them.
The future steals what once remained
Time and progress will always take away what was once familiar or constant.
Some people speak the truth
There are those who are honest and genuine in their words and actions.
Now there's no one else to blame
They take full responsibility for their decisions and outcomes.
Then they try to beat you down
Others may try to bring you down or discourage you.
Boy, if you don't do the same
However, if you remain steadfast and resilient, you can overcome these obstacles.
Choose me or choose eternal flame
You must decide whether to follow the artist's path or face an unfavorable outcome.
Beware backsliders!
Those who falter or backslide should be careful.
You need to know just why we were
It is important to understand one's purpose in life.
Cuase I might be losing my mind
The singer may be experiencing doubt or confusion.
Deception of your mind
One's own thoughts or perceptions can lead to deception or confusion.
Chasing what once was inside
The individual is attempting to reclaim something they've lost or forgotten.
Onward for the truth absurd
The journey towards truth or enlightenment can be strange or unusual.
I think we'll finally know why we were
The artist believes that one day they will understand their purpose.
Alone
It can be a lonely journey towards one's destiny.
Nobody knows the answer
It is impossible to know everything or have all the answers.
They never question why
Many people don't take the time to ponder or reflect on their existence.
Blind faith will lead you nowhere
Having faith without questioning or evaluating can be detrimental.
It happens every time
This is a common occurrence or pattern.
Spirit shines and now it's time to die
One's spirit or essence lives on even after death.
Lights dim and you can't remember
In the face of death, one's memories or consciousness may fade away.
You pray you're homeward bound
One hopes that death will take them to some sort of afterlife.
Kill the dream and forget the memories
It is possible to let go of past hopes or memories.
That was so profound
The past experiences or insights were meaningful or impactful.
The revolution dies without a sound
Sometimes important changes or movements happen without fanfare or attention.
Beware backslider!
Once again, the listener is warned against backsliding or falling off course.
You need to know just why we were
Understanding one's purpose is emphasized once again.
Cause you might be losing your mind
The listener is reminded that they too may experience doubt or confusion.
Contributed by Cooper E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.