Blood on the Mind
Dead South Lyrics
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'Cause now you're playing my game
If you don't do what I say
I'm gonna throw you in the river someday
See me floating down the river
That's where my body does lie
It sure was a cold SeptemberWith blood on everybody's mind
See my body on the shoreline
My thoughts are spilling in the stream
Picking strings all together
But everybody knows their scene
What did they put in the water
That we're drinking every night?
What did they do to the music man
When they tried to silence him that night?
Can you see it in the stars now?
That you ain't acting right
Your mind's been poisoned by the weather
The people and all of those lies
Don't listen to the wind blow
'Cause it ain't being very kind
Follow the path of all the others
So they can have their justice tonight
What did they put in the water
That we're drinking every night?
What did they do to the music man
When they tried to silence him that night?
What did they put in the water that night?
'Cause he's lying here dead on cold ice
It don't matter what he had to say
Because they already cut him down today
It don't matter what he had to say
Because they already cut him down today
What did they put in the water
That we're drinking every night?
What did they do to the music man
When they tried to silence him that night?
What did they put in the water
That we're drinking every night?
What did they do to the music man
When they tried to silence him that night?
When they tried to silence him that night
In "Blood On The Mind" by The Dead South, the lyrics convey a sense of dark storytelling intertwined with themes of control, vengeance, and societal malaise. From the outset, the singer seems to have an air of authority, asserting that the situation has shifted and that the other party is now in a precarious position. Lines such as "If you don't do what I say / I'm gonna throw you in the river someday" evoke an ominous tone that suggests an underlying threat. This not only paints a vivid picture of power dynamics but also introduces a notion of entrapment: the characters are ensnared by circumstances beyond their control. The river can symbolize a path to inevitable doom for those who oppose or fail to comply, evoking historical imagery of betrayal, sin, and judgment.
The narrative continues with a haunting reflection on mortality, as the imagery of a body in the river encapsulates despair and loss. The lyric "It sure was a cold September / With blood on everybody's mind" starkly evokes a growing urgency or perhaps a guilt that permeates the society depicted in the song. September can signify a time of change, transitioning from summer's warmth into the chill of winter, hinting at a loss of innocence or peace. The phrase "blood on everybody's mind" implies a collective consciousness steeped in violence or regret, as if the actions or events of this cold September haunt the community. The visualization of the body on the shoreline could also represent a moment of realization for the witness, who sees the tragic outcome of their choices or those made by others, understanding that tragedy is both personal and communal.
A crucial layer of the lyrics probes into the influence of external factors on individual minds, as reflected in lines questioning, "What did they put in the water / That we're drinking every night?" This rhetorical inquiry points towards a sense of contamination—not just physical but also psychological. It suggests that societal influences can distort perception and lead to destructive behavior. This theme resonates throughout music history, where artists risk their well-being for the truth. The focus on the "music man" alludes to the silencing of dissenters or artists, implying that those who dare to speak out or challenge the status quo are often suppressed violently. The sentiment suggests that a culture of censorship exists, where the price of truth-telling can lead to fatal consequences.
Ultimately, the repetition of the questions in the latter part of the song reinforces a sense of despair and hopelessness. The refrain amplifies the feelings of mystery and frustration, as the singer wrestles with understanding the roots of their collective plight. The mention of "cold ice" hints at both the deadening of emotions and the chilling effects of violence. The lyrics culminate in a stark realization: no matter the truth spoken by the silenced individuals, the outcome remains unchanged, and ignorance prevails in a society steeped in complicity. This cyclical challenge inherent in the song lays bare the paranoia and existential dread that can permeate in a world where truths are overshadowed by the darkness of power struggles and societal lies, leaving listeners to ponder their own complicity in such narratives.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm telling you to explain
I urge you to clarify your actions and intentions.
'Cause now you're playing my game
You have now entered into my realm of influence and control.
If you don't do what I say
Should you choose to defy my commands or wishes,
I'm gonna throw you in the river someday
I will take drastic measures against you in the future.
See me floating down the river
Imagine me as a lifeless figure drifting along a body of water.
That's where my body does lie
That is where my physical existence has ended.
It sure was a cold September
The event took place during a chilling September, symbolizing emotional or physical coldness.
With blood on everybody's mind
Everyone is preoccupied with thoughts of violence or death.
See my body on the shoreline
Visualize my dead form washed up on the beach.
My thoughts are spilling in the stream
My consciousness or memories flow away, lost in the current of life.
Picking strings all together
Interweaving various narratives or emotions, forming a cohesive story.
But everybody knows their scene
People are aware of their roles in this unfolding drama.
What did they put in the water
What has been introduced into our lives or society that is harmful?
That we're drinking every night?
What toxic influences are we consuming regularly?
What did they do to the music man
What actions were taken against the artist, the voice of dissent?
When they tried to silence him that night?
What measures were taken to suppress his message during that particular event?
Can you see it in the stars now?
Can you recognize the signs of chaos and misdeeds in the universe?
That you ain't acting right
Your behavior is erratic and not in line with the truth.
Your mind's been poisoned by the weather
External circumstances have negatively influenced your thoughts.
The people and all of those lies
Society and deceitful narratives have contributed to this psychological malaise.
Don't listen to the wind blow
Ignore the surrounding noise and distraction that is misleading you.
'Cause it ain't being very kind
The external world is harsh and unforgiving in its messages.
Follow the path of all the others
Conform to the expectations and decisions made by the majority.
So they can have their justice tonight
This conformity will appease those seeking retribution or closure.
What did they put in the water
What corrupting substances or influences have infiltrated our lives?
That we're drinking every night?
What destructive forces are we continually accepting into our existence?
What did they do to the music man
What harm came to the figure who represented truth and artistry?
When they tried to silence him that night?
During that eventful night, what actions were taken to suppress his voice?
What did they put in the water that night?
What specific elements were introduced that night to bring about chaos?
'Cause he's lying here dead on cold ice
He has tragically met his end, lifeless and unyielding.
It don't matter what he had to say
His words and messages have been rendered irrelevant now.
Because they already cut him down today
He was silenced and dismissed before he could voice his truths.
It don't matter what he had to say
His insights and thoughts hold no weight in his current state.
Because they already cut him down today
The actions against him have stripped him of his power permanently.
What did they put in the water
What detrimental influences have poisoned our environment?
That we're drinking every night?
What toxic elements are we consuming without awareness?
What did they do to the music man
What injustices were inflicted upon the artist representing freedom?
When they tried to silence him that night?
What mechanisms were employed to stifle his voice during that dark moment?
When they tried to silence him that night
During that pivotal event, attempts were made to eliminate his expression.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Colton Crawford, Daniel Kenyon, Nathaniel Hilts, Scott Pringle
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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@METAL__MECHANIC
Amazing band. Not my typical style of music, but they do it so well. They remind me of Sublime, not in sound, but they have a base with so many different styles attached to it.
@thomaslehmann9559
You are absolutely right
@karlaruter3221
I soo much agree 😊.
@NotThisBrayne
A new The Dead South album restores my faith in humanity a little and really uplift my spirits. Thanks guys you truly kick ass!
@courtneytowery8152
Taking my 10 year old son to see his first concert in Montana in August. Wish my parents would’ve taken me to a show like this when I was young.
@Dispatcher67
You won’t be disappointed I saw them in Missoula last Summer.
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I took my daughter and niece to their first concert at 14 and 13, respectively. It was the Allman Brothers at Red Rocks. The next year, I took them to see Keb Mo in Breckenridge. It was a great experience. It will be for you too.