In 2006, the band released its debut album, cuban ballerina on Fat Wreck Chords. Many of Dead To Me's songs deal with addiction and recovery (Chicken had recently emerged from rehab), while others address strife around the world (ie. war in Iraq and expanding prison systems). It was produced by Alex Newport, who previously produced records for At the drive-in and the locust.
Undertow
Dead to Me Lyrics
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Sold to the earth as the fall of man
It’s a play on guilt that the pain of being brings
Just because I’m broke, just because I get low
Doesn’t really mean the undertow is washing away our rational thoughts with it
They’ve got reasons for believing, but I have no reason to believe them now
When they got on their knees and thought they could repent
Just because it breaks just because the blood flows,
Doesn’t really mean that undertow, will carry away your heart with it out to sea
They’ve got reasons for believing, but I have no reason to believe them now!
Standing in the kitchen did you hear it call your name?
Or sitting in your room consumed by all your shame?
Its like staring at the sun hoping you can take it,
We are staring at the sun hoping we can take it
They’ve got reasons for believing, but I have no reason to believe them now
In "Undertow" by Dead to Me, the lyrics portray the idea that the concept of religion is being used as a business plan, exploiting people’s guilt about being human to gain profit. It’s a commentary on the fall of man, referencing the notion that humans are intrinsically flawed and in need of saving. The singer subtly critiques this simplistic attitude towards what is one of the biggest existential questions and argues that it is naive to believe that just because they are broke or at a low point in life, that they will be necessarily swept away by irrational thinking. The undertow is a metaphor for these existential currents that can drag us down and the song suggests that it is up to everyone to stand up to their individual beliefs and not be swayed by others' belief structures, and it is up to individuals to take responsibility for their own lives.
The next verse seems to be about the idea of redemption - yet the singer believes that there is no such thing as forgiveness for some actions, even if people try to repent. It's not about blaming themselves, as the singer states: “I feel bad for better men that fucked up bad buy they times them ten,” that portrays the idea that there are consequences to one's actions, but not everyone has the power to forgive. The undertow is used again here as a metaphor for the emotional pull that can come from a sense of shame or guilt. While these emotions are powerful, it doesn't have to dictate our lives. The refrain “They’ve got reasons for believing, but I have no reason to believe them now” is a crucial element of the song, pointing to the idea of individuality and making your own path in life.
Line by Line Meaning
I see the myth as a business plan
The myth of original sin is sold as a scheme to make people feel guilty and in turn take advantage of them financially.
Sold to the earth as the fall of man
The myth of original sin is marketed as the reason behind the fall of humanity.
It’s a play on guilt that the pain of being brings
The myth of original sin and guilt is used to manipulate people and their emotions.
Just because I’m broke, just because I get low
Doesn’t really mean the undertow is washing away our rational thoughts with it
Just because someone is struggling financially or emotionally, it doesn't mean that they've lost their rationality or ability to think clearly.
They’ve got reasons for believing, but I have no reason to believe them now
While other people may have their own valid reasons for believing in the myth of original sin, the singer has personally lost faith in it.
I feel bad for better men that fucked up bad buy they times them ten
When they got on their knees and thought they could repent
The singer pities those who may have made mistakes and believed in repentance but were ultimately let down by the myth of original sin.
Just because it breaks just because the blood flows,
Doesn’t really mean that undertow, will carry away your heart with it out to sea
Although one might experience pain or suffering, it doesn't mean that they will be completely consumed or destroyed by it.
Standing in the kitchen did you hear it call your name?
Or sitting in your room consumed by all your shame?
Its like staring at the sun hoping you can take it,
We are staring at the sun hoping we can take it
The singer questions whether or not others have also been affected by the myth of original sin and its repercussions, and compares it to an impossible task like staring at the sun.
They’ve got reasons for believing, but I have no reason to believe them now!
Reiterating that others may have reasons for believing in the myth of original sin, but the singer has lost their own faith in it.
Contributed by Molly N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.