How Could I
Cynic Lyrics


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How could I forget such a revelation
To love without fear and learn without question
How could I regret the meant occasions
I must begin this day again

Freedom and reason shine through
Paddle upon the clouds one's own canoe
How could I

Humility take charge of me
Drown me in truth's modest waters
Loosen your grip identity
Free me from an ego's falter

Love too often is only a dream
If I am harsh and unkind to myself
So I share these attitudes with you
Must I try? How could I?

Freedom and reason shine through
Paddle upon the clouds one's own canoe

Love's too often only a dream
If I am harsh and unkind to myself
So I share these attitudes with you




For in this spewing cavern of pride
How could I!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Cynic's song "How Could I" explore the idea of self-reflection and personal growth. The first stanza suggests that the singer had a "revelation" to love fearlessly and learn without questioning, but may have struggled to live out these principles in practice. The second stanza explores themes of humility, truth, and the importance of freeing oneself from the grip of the ego. The third and final stanza acknowledges that loving oneself can be difficult, but suggests that sharing one's struggles with others can lead to a sense of communal understanding and support.


Overall, the song encourages listeners to cultivate a sense of self-awareness and to approach personal growth and self-improvement with compassion and humility.


Interestingly, "How Could I" was released on Cynic's 1993 album "Focus", which is considered a landmark in the development of the progressive metal genre. The album's use of intricate, jazzy harmonies and unconventional time signatures helped to redefine the sound of underground metal in the 1990s.


Line by Line Meaning

How could I forget such a revelation
I can't forget the realization of the importance of loving without fear and learning without questioning.


To love without fear and learn without question
It's important to approach love and learning with an open mind, without letting fear and doubt hold you back.


How could I regret the meant occasions
I can't regret the opportunities that were meant for me to experience and learn from.


I must begin this day again
Every day is a new opportunity to start fresh and make the most of it.


Freedom and reason shine through
Being free and rational in our choices and actions is essential.


Paddle upon the clouds one's own canoe
Take control of your own life and make your own decisions, even if it seems impossible or unconventional.


Humility take charge of me
I need to let go of my ego and be humble, accepting of the truth.


Drown me in truth's modest waters
I want to immerse myself with the honest reality and become a modest person as a result.


Loosen your grip identity
I need to let go of my attachment to my identity, allowing myself to be open to change and growth.


Free me from an ego's falter
I want to escape from my ego and its negative influence over my life.


Love too often is only a dream
Love is often elusive and difficult to find in reality.


If I am harsh and unkind to myself
Being overly critical of myself will only hinder my ability to find love and be a happier person.


So I share these attitudes with you
I want to impart these values and beliefs with others, hoping to inspire a positive change.


Must I try? How could I?
I question whether or not my attempts at self-improvement will be successful or not.


For in this spewing cavern of pride
In this place of arrogance and self-importance,


How could I!
How can I possibly escape the negative influence of pride and ego?




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DARREN MCFARLAND, JASON A. GOBEL, PAUL MASVIDAL, SEAN LANDON REINERT

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@publius5128

The solo at the end of this is a genuinely transcendent experience. I get goosebumps every time I hear it. Music as magic that takes consciousness with it. Pure bliss.

@FirstLast-cd6vv

Literally took the words out of my mouth.

@entelektuel.yolculuk

woow,, that is some great Hegelian therminology right there, matey. Speaking as a Hegelian here...

@Nickolaars

Every. Single. Time. ❤

@ojvera76

R.I.P. Sean Reinert

Best outro in metal history

@ryukan250

Gordian Knot - Rivers Dancing would give it some competition

@Tomahawks360

And know Malone is gone too.
Man, 2020 really sucks ass

@ojvera76

@@Tomahawks360 Yes, I saw the tweet from Di Giorgio and I couldn't believe it.

@mrdeathamore

​@@ryukan250 Some Brighter Thing. The most uplifting tune I ever heard. Malone's bass is impeccable.

@Mat-zt4bi

@@Tomahawks360 alexi laiho too wtf is wrong with this year for the artists !?

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