Created by Barre Gambling and Jesse Haff in 1996, Daylight Dies is often noted as one of the first American bands of their kind to exhibit a strong Scandinavian metal sound. The majority of the metal underground first became aware of Daylight Dies with their demo "Idle" which was released on Tribunal Records in 2000 and featured original vocalist Guthrie Iddings. Egan O'Rourke joined as the bassist in 2001. The band then signed to Relapse Records in 2002 and released their debut album "No Reply". Daylight Dies toured Britain, Ireland, Belgium and The Netherlands in 2003 with Katatonia, and the United States and Canada with Lacuna Coil in support of the album. After the tour, vocalist Guthrie Iddings left and was replaced by Nathan Ellis. Charley Shackelford also joined as a second guitarist. In late 2005, Daylight Dies signed to Candlelight Records. They released their second album "Dismantling Devotion" in March 2006. Daylight Dies played to capacity crowds in New York city on July 13th and 14th 2006 as direct support for Emperor. The band premiered their first music video for the song "Lies that Bind" on August 9th 2006, which was later accepted by VH1 and MTV. Later that year, they embarked on a 4 week North American tour with Moonspell and Katatonia.
The band entered the studio in December 2007 to begin recording their third album "Lost to the Living". Like "Dismantling Devotion", the album was mixed and mastered by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios. It was released on June 24, 2008. A month prior to the albums release, the band toured with Candlemass across the U.S.
This band creates a style of melodic doom rarely heard outside of Europe, and does so with such proficiency that one may be surprised to discover their American origin.
All We Had
Daylight Dies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
the cruelest blade
The power of
merciless words to endear
With clinched fist clinched teeth
and burning words
I take my leave
memories
charred remnants
of all that we had
The demise of
all we were
Wisdom
of futile years
Affinity
ceasing this wintering of me
A final look
one last glance
and burning words I take my leave
Embers
memories
charred remnants
of all that we had
The demise of
all we were
The lyrics to Daylight Dies's song "All We Had" explore themes of loss, separation and bitter feelings that arise following the end of a relationship. The first stanza speaks of the power of words to inflict pain and bring an end to a relationship. The lyricist speaks of the pen being the cruelest blade, signifying the power of words over physical violence. The use of clinched fists and teeth suggests a state of rage, and the burning words that follow signify the anger and bitterness present in the relationship. The lyricist takes his leave, indicating the end of the relationship, but the memories remain - embers of all that they had.
The second stanza is a introspective reflection on the relationship that has ended. The memories are still present, but they are only charred remnants of what was once there. The use of the word "demise" suggests a catastrophic end to something that was once beautiful. The lyricist also reflects on the wisdom gained over the years of the relationship. However, this wisdom appears to be superficial, as it was unable to save the relationship. The affinity between the two people has ceased in this wintering of the lyricist, but not without one final look and one last glance.
The repetition of the lines "Embers/memories/charred remnants/of all that we had/the demise of/all we were" gives the sense that the loss and bitterness is all-consuming. The use of imagery such as burning words and charred remnants add a sense of destruction and finality. Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of pain and loss, with little hope for reconciliation.
Line by Line Meaning
This pen
The tool used to write down thoughts and emotions.
the cruelest blade
Words written down can hurt just as much as a sharp, deadly weapon.
The power of
The influence or authority that words and emotions can hold over a person.
merciless words to endear
Words that are unkind or unfeeling can often evoke a strong emotional attachment.
With clinched fist clinched teeth
The physical manifestation of anger and frustration through tense muscles and gritted teeth.
and burning words
Words that leave a lasting impression, whether they be positive or negative.
I take my leave
The singer is leaving the situation or relationship behind, likely for their own well-being.
Embers
The remaining flickers of something that was once great and powerful.
memories
The recollection of a time in the past, often associated with strong emotions.
charred remnants
The remnants of something that was once great, now damaged and burned.
of all that we had
All that was shared and experienced in a past relationship, now gone.
The demise of
The downfall or end of something significant.
all we were
The sum total of the past relationship, including the good and the bad.
Wisdom
Insight gained from knowledge and experience.
of futile years
The realization that much time has been wasted in a relationship that ultimately failed.
Affinity
The intense connection felt between two people in a relationship.
ceasing this wintering of me
The end of a cold and lifeless period in the artist's life that was brought on by the failed relationship.
A final look
A final glance at the past, now ready to be left behind.
one last glance
One final look at the situation, relationship, or memories.
and burning words I take my leave
The last impression the artist leaves is one of strong emotion and lingering impact.
Contributed by Jordan B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Andy Player2
This is probably the most underrated death/doom band ever. A true Mystery. In this kind of guitar harmonies we have the old katatonia...and them.
Juan Delgado
so melodic, so gravy...such an underrated band..love em'
sanan22
this song introduced doom metal to me... and I became addicted to it ever since
Nok
I wish there was tabs. I love these guys
Joseph Wiemert
Strong individuals exercising their demons and true character into the instruments, great specimen of humans knowing where to put their hurt and how to properly distribute it into something that they can leave behind that could be somewhat positive and help create Serenity in an individual
kingforaday72
LOVE THIS HELL YES
Ana Laura Leyva Luna
Perfection
David Esquivel
awesome
shane128955
not in this day and age
Kaan
ölüyorum