After performing in a number of metal bands in high school, Townsend was discovered by a record label in 1993 and was asked to perform lead vocals on Steve Vai's album Sex & Religion. After recording and touring with Vai, Townsend was discouraged by what he found in the music industry, and vented his anger on a solo album released under the pseudonym Strapping Young Lad. He soon assembled a band under the name, and released the critically acclaimed City in 1997. Since then, he has released three more studio albums with Strapping Young Lad, along with solo material released under his own independent record label, HevyDevy Records. Townsend's solo albums, a diverse mix of hard rock and progressive metal, have featured a varying lineup of supporting musicians. In 2002 he formed The Devin Townsend Band, a dedicated lineup which recorded and toured for two of his solo releases.
In 2007, Townsend disbanded both Strapping Young Lad and The Devin Townsend Band, taking a break from touring to spend more time with his family. After a two-year hiatus, he began work on a four-album series called The Devin Townsend Project, with each album written in a different style. The first two entries in the series, Ki and Addicted, were released in 2009. Townsend scheduled tours throughout Australia and North America in 2010 in support of the albums, and released the next two, Deconstruction and Ghost, in 2011.
Townsend's trademark production style, featuring a heavily multitracked wall of sound, has been compared to the styles of Phil Spector and Frank Zappa. His versatile vocal delivery ranges from screaming to an opera-esque singing, and his songwriting is similarly diverse. Townsend's musical style is rooted in metal, and his albums are written to express different aspects of his personality.
Material
Devin Townsend Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Out of manic mode
This I swear, this I swear
This I swear to you
I've got one more ticket to ride
I've got one more "take 'em alive"
I've got one more reason to write
Give me one more try
Let them roll as they roll
And be all you are
Because you're beautiful
Material
Hear that truth again!
The song Material by Devin Townsend is a deeply introspective piece that explores the nature of existence and our place in the world as material beings. The lyrics suggest a rejection of the manic and frenzied nature of modern life, and a search for something deeper and more meaningful. The repeated refrain of "This I swear to you" suggests a commitment to this search, a sense of determination to find a more authentic way of being.
At the same time, the lyrics acknowledge the inevitable tensions and contradictions that arise from living as a material being. The line "Out of man and motor / Out of manic mode" suggests a desire to transcend the limitations of the physical body and escape the relentless pace of modern life. Yet at the same time, the repeated references to "one more ticket to ride" and "one more reason to write" suggest a recognition of the power of the material world to inspire and motivate us.
Overall, Material is a powerful meditation on the nature of existence and our place in the world. The song suggests that although we may be trapped within the limitations of our physical bodies, we still have the power to connect with something deeper and more meaningful, and to find our own sense of beauty and truth within the complexities of the material world.
Line by Line Meaning
Out of man and motor
I am not controlled by technology or machinery, but by my own will and emotions.
Out of manic mode
I am leaving behind my state of extreme excitement or anxiety and moving towards a calmer state.
This I swear, this I swear
I make a solemn promise or declaration of what I am about to say.
This I swear to you
I am making this promise to you specifically.
I've got one more ticket to ride
I have one more opportunity or chance to experience something new or exciting.
I've got one more "take 'em alive"
I have one more shot at achieving my goals and taking control of my life.
I've got one more reason to write
I have one more motivation or inspiration to create and express myself through writing.
Give me one more try
I am asking for one more chance to prove myself or succeed in something.
Ah, these are the days
These current moments are important and valuable in their own right.
Let them roll as they roll
I will let these moments happen naturally and without interference or judgement.
And be all you are
You should embrace and express your true self to the fullest extent possible.
Because you're beautiful
You are beautiful in your own unique way and should recognize and appreciate that fact.
Material
All of the things in this physical world are impermanent and transient, and should not be overly obsessed over or relied upon.
Hear that truth again!
I am emphasizing the importance of recognizing and accepting the truth of impermanence and letting go of attachment to material things.
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