tension
Datsik/Downlink/Excision/Korn Lyrics


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I'm plowing through a crowd of worthless hatred
That's falling down, at least they start to fry
Why can't I be removed, take their places?
Sometimes it's better to eat their scars

These are the times of the waking liar
Hold him close, or you will expire
Holding on to the place you're thinking
Total deceit

I like to lose hope
Recede and cope
Like a beautiful rape
These things, aren't they great?

I'm terrified by emotionless faces
They're all around me I want to die
I'm fucking trippin' out seeing traces
Of murderers covered in lye

These are the times of the waking liar
Hold him close, or you will expire
Holding on to the place you're thinking
Total deceit

I like to lose hope
Recede and cope
Like a beautiful rape
These things, aren't they great?

I love the things that make you upset
The more you hurt, the stronger I get
I love the things that make you upset
The more you hurt, the stronger

I like to lose hope
Recede and cope




Like a beautiful rape
These things, aren't they great?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Tension by Datsik, Downlink, Excision, and Korn delve into the themes of emotional turmoil, mental illness, and the self-destructive nature of humanity. The opening lines of the song express the singer's disdain for the "worthless hatred" present in a crowd around them. They feel as though they do not belong amidst this negative energy and suggest that they should be removed and take the places of those who are contributing to the chaos. The line "sometimes it's better to eat their scars" implies that the singer may have a tendency to self-harm or engage in other destructive behaviors.


The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "these are the times of the waking liar" which could refer to the experience of living in a society that often seems to be built on lies and deceit. The lyrics suggest that one must cling to their beliefs to avoid succumbing to the negativity around them.


The second verse of the song describes the singer's overwhelming feelings of terror when confronted with "emotionless faces" and the memory of murderers covered in lye. These details could represent traumatic experiences or delusions associated with mental illness.


The final lines of the song repeat the phrase "I like to lose hope, recede and cope, like a beautiful rape, these things, aren't they great?" which emphasizes the self-destructive tendencies present in the lyrics. The repeated use of the word "great" in this context could be seen as ironic, as the singer's actions and thoughts are fundamentally harmful to themselves and potentially others.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm plowing through a crowd of worthless hatred
I'm forcefully navigating through a group of people who possess no value or love for others.


That's falling down, at least they start to fry
Those people are beginning to suffer the consequences of their actions.


Why can't I be removed, take their places?
I question why I can't switch places with them and be rid of my own problems.


Sometimes it's better to eat their scars
In some situations, it may be better to deal with the consequences of others' actions rather than causing more harm by retaliating.


These are the times of the waking liar
These are the times when people who are dishonest and deceitful are thriving.


Hold him close or you will expire
Keep the person who is untruthful near you, or else you will be harmed in some way.


Holding on to the place you're thinking
Holding on to the thoughts and beliefs that bring you comfort and a sense of belonging.


Total deceit
Complete dishonesty and deception.


I like to lose hope
I find pleasure in feeling hopeless.


Recede and cope
Retreat and find a way to manage the difficult situation.


Like a beautiful rape
Similar to a disturbing and violent act, but with a twisted sense of attractiveness or appeal.


These things, aren't they great?
These negative experiences or feelings are oddly enjoyable to me.


I'm terrified by emotionless faces
Faces that are void of any emotion instill fear in me.


They're all around me I want to die
These emotionless faces surround me and make me wish for death.


I'm fucking trippin' out seeing faces
I'm becoming overwhelmed and delusional from seeing these faces.


Of murderers covered in lye
These faces I see are of killers who are trying to conceal their crimes.


I love the things that make you upset
I find enjoyment in things that cause others to feel distressed.


The more you hurt, the stronger I get
Your pain and suffering makes me feel more powerful and in control.


Aren't they great?
This repetition emphasizes the twisted enjoyment the singer finds in others' misery.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Songtrust Ave
Written by: James Christian Shaffer, Jeffrey Travis Abel, Jonathan Davis, Ray Luzier, Reginald Arvizu, Sean Casavant, Troy Beetles

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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