Drumcorps' debut full-length, Grist, won an Award of Distinction at the 2007 Prix Ars Electronica, a prestigious yearly prize whose past winners include Aphex Twin, Chris Cunningham, and Peter Gabriel. 2008 was Spectre’s widest-reaching year to date, with 58,000 miles of travel, gigs on four continents, including return trips to Russia and Japan, and debuts in Mexico, Taiwan, Australia and New Zealand. Spectre spent the better part of 2009 and 2010 putting the finishing touches on a much-anticipated follow up to Grist, as well as resettling in the US.
For Summer 2010, Spectre will be joined onstage by vocalist Leo Miller. Leo came of age in acclaimed San Francisco metal band Animosity. Beginning at the age of 14, he graced stages all over the world for eight years with his signature growl and compelling presence. Leo is the first band member to be added to the Drumcorps stage lineup and will be providing vocals and support on electronics.
Down
Drumcorps Lyrics
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It makes its′ way through my arms
And through these fatigued worn fingers
In (fury fevered lashings of claw)
Something is holding me down
It makes its' way through my arms
And through these fatigued worn fingers
In (fury fevered lashings of claw)
Something, something is ho-
Something, something lo-lo-
Something, something is ho-
Something, something is ho-lo-do-down
Something, something is ho-
Something, something lo-lo-
Something is holding me down
Something, something is ho-
Something, something lo-lo-
Something, something is ho-
Something, something is ho-down-do
Something, something is ho-
Something, something is ho-
Something is holding me down
(Something is holding me down)
Down
Yeah
Down
Yeah
(Something is holding me down)
Down (something, something is lo-lo)
Yeah (something, something is ho-lo-do-down)
(Something, something is lo-lo-)
Something is holding me down
Down (something, something is lo-lo)
Yeah (something, something is slo-down-do)
(Something, something is slo-)
Something is holding me do-do-down
Down
The lyrics of the song Down by Drumcorps express the feeling of being held down by something that is passing through the arms and those fatigued worn fingers of the artist. The repetitive use of the phrase "something is holding me down" conveys a sense of suffocation and inability to overcome whatever is causing this sensation. The lyrics are reinforced by the intense and powerful music that accompanies them, reminiscent of some electronic and industrial music styles, with distorted sounds, heavy beats, and energetic drums. The use of the word "fury" and "fevered" to describe the lashings and claw further convey a sense of desperation and anger.
It's clear that the artist is struggling with something that is beyond his control, and he doesn't seem to know what it is or how to escape it. Perhaps it's a metaphor for depression, anxiety, physical illness, or some other form of internal struggle that is difficult to articulate in words. The repetition of the phrase and the use of sounds that mimic a heartbeat or a deep breathing pattern adds to the feeling of being trapped and unable to break free.
Overall, the lyrics and music of Down create a sense of intensity and urgency that reflects the artist's emotions and struggles. The song leaves a powerful impact on the listeners and invites them to explore their own feelings of being held down or trapped by something beyond their control.
Line by Line Meaning
Something is holding me down
An unknown force is weighing upon me, impeding my movements and abilities.
It makes its' way through my arms
The oppressive weight extends from my shoulders and runs down my arms, causing them to feel heavy and sluggish.
And through these fatigued worn fingers
My fingers, weary from constant use and physical strain, feel the weight of the unseen burden as well.
In (fury fevered lashings of claw)
I struggle against the weight with fervor, clawing my way through the resistance in a frenzy of activity.
Something, something is ho-
The struggle is intensified by the overwhelming feeling of not understanding what exactly is causing the oppression.
Something, something lo-lo-
Despite being unclear about the source of the weight, I feel it deeply and intimately - a low and constant presence in my life.
Something is holding me down
The repetition of this line emphasizes the persistent, unrelenting nature of the force weighing upon me.
Something, something is ho-lo-do-down
The weight of the unknown feels like a downward force dragging me to the depths of despair.
Down (something, something is lo-lo)
The word 'Down' is a repeated cry of despair, echoed by the insistent repetition of the unknown and heavy force.
Yeah (something, something is ho-lo-do-down)
The repeated 'Yeah' is a cry of desperation, accentuated by the unknown force's heavy pull towards despair.
(Something, something is lo-lo-)
The repetition of the unknown weight emphasizes its' constant presence in the singer's life, even if they cannot put a name to it.
(Something is holding me down)
The chorus is a plaintive cry for help, begging for someone or something to lift the weight from the artist's shoulders.
Down
Ultimately, the song ends in despair, with the final repetition of 'Down' echoing a sense of defeat and hopelessness.
Writer(s): Drumcorps
Contributed by Lila V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.