Emmure is an American band formed in 2003. Originally based in New Fairfiel… Read Full Bio ↴Emmure is an American band formed in 2003. Originally based in New Fairfield, Connecticut, but now residing in Queens, New York.

Musically playing mainly a mix of nu metal, djent and metalcore. Lyrical topics that Emmure touches upon usually focus on breakups, murder, social indifference, sexual deviance, philosophy, and religion. Many of the band's songs contain references to video games and comic books, particularly from Street Fighter and Marvel Comics, of which vocalist Frankie Palmeri is an avid fan. The band's name "Emmure" is a reference to immurement, a form of execution.

First Impressions
Emmure Lyrics

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You're right, I'm the asshole
And this bitter, jaded attitude is getting me nowhere
But I love this feeling
God help me
What did you think?
What did you expect?
You thought you'd really get to know me?

Better hold your breath
Hold your breath for as long as you can

Why do you look so surprised?
This once was yours and now I made it mine
Don't look disappointed when I say

This is what I wanted
This is what I needed
This is what I'm looking for
And now you're gonna give it to me

Hold your fucking breath

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "First Impressions" by Emmure center around a character who's aware of their flaws and abrasive personality, yet embraces it. The opening lines "You're right, I'm the asshole / And this bitter, jaded attitude is getting me nowhere / But I love this feeling / God help me" sets the tone for the song, which is about someone who enjoys being a jerk and isn't interested in changing.

The following verses talk about how the character purposely pushes people away by asking "What did you think? / What did you expect? / You thought you'd really get to know me?" as a defense mechanism against getting too close to anyone. The chorus continues with the same spiteful tone as the character tells others to "Hold your breath for as long as you can" and relishes in taking what was once theirs. The final lines "This is what I wanted / This is what I needed / This is what I'm looking for / And now you're gonna give it to me / Hold your fucking breath" reinforces the idea that this character is selfish and unapologetic about it.

Overall, "First Impressions" is a song that explores the mentality of someone who's given up on making connections with others and instead revels in being alone and unapproachable. It's a cautionary tale about how our pride and selfishness can push others away and ultimately leave us isolated.

Line by Line Meaning

You're right, I'm the asshole
I acknowledge my wrongdoings and attitude

And this bitter, jaded attitude is getting me nowhere
My negative outlook on life is not helping me progress

But I love this feeling
Despite the negative impact, I enjoy feeling this way

God help me
I need guidance and support to change my ways

What did you think?
What was your expectation towards me?

What did you expect?
What were you anticipating from me?

You thought you'd really get to know me?
Did you really assume you could understand me?

Better hold your breath
Prepare yourself for what's about to come

Hold your breath for as long as you can
Prepare yourself for a long, difficult experience

Why do you look so surprised?
Why are you acting shocked by the current events?

This once was yours and now I made it mine
I took something that used to belong to you