After working on "Give Me Rest" for Hands, I realized I wasn't ready to throw in the towel yet. Spending most of the writing and recording process alone was the most therapeutic way of working through my issues with my faith. And I realized that as human beings, I think it's our job to be our brothers' keepers, because even with the tiniest effort, you can drastically change the course of another person's life.
The song "Red" is the most powerful song I think I have ever written. It was written to try to encourage people to be better. The fact that people can be abused, abandoned, and robbed of ever having unconditional love in their life and still grow up to be some of the most loving and kind hearted people blows me away. Everyone out there has a story or a road that was traveled to put them exactly where they are today. We live in a broken world, with broken people. But each of us has the power to restore hope within someone else.
The Fool
Everything In Slow Motion Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Nothing hurts anymore, I'm just bitter and empty.
Don't try to save me, I'll be just fine.
You don't know where I have been.
This is more than a cold, cheap conversation.
So don't be surprised, if I say
"You can keep your words.
Keep your hands to yourself, I'll bet you've never met a sinner like me."
I sit alone, with a demon hanging on my back.
Finger resting on the trigger, I was weak and hopeless.
Everyone talks, but nobody listens.
You don't know where I have been.
This is more than a cold, cheap conversation.
So don't be surprised, if I say
"You can keep your words.
You can keep your kingdom. Keep your hands to yourself,
I'll bet you've never met a sinner like me.
And even though you claim his name, it's not enough to kill the pain.
So keep your hands to yourself, I'll bet you've never met a sinner like me."
I'll be just fine. There's no rest in the bed that I have made.
A fool I am, I'll hold my pride above the things that keep me suffering.
"Can you feel these words? I will never leave you.
Lay your burdens to the ground, walk away and I will set you free.
And I have always known your name.
It kills me son to hear you say 'keep your hands to yourself I'll bet you've never met a sinner like me.'
I've always know your name."
The lyrics to "The Fool" by Everything in Slow Motion serve as a confession of sorts. The singer is a sinner who feels bitter and empty. They carry a demon on their back and struggle with suicidal thoughts, yet it's clear they don't want anyone to save them. The singer also appears to have had negative experiences with supposed authorities or religious figures, telling them to keep their words and hands to themselves. Throughout the song, there's a sense of pride that prevents the singer from accepting help or acknowledging their pain. The lyrics also reveal that there is a deeper relationship at play, one in which the singer is acknowledged by a higher power who has always known their name.
It's notable that the lyrics are quite dark and introspective. There's a feeling of hopelessness, and the singer doesn't offer any solutions to their situation. The line "There's no rest in the bed that I have made" suggests that the singer is responsible for their own suffering. The mention of a "cheap conversation" and the feeling of not being heard adds to the theme of isolation and loneliness. In contrast, the mention of a higher power who will "set you free" suggests there's still hope for redemption.
Line by Line Meaning
Take a look into my eyes and tell me what you see.
I want you to see my pain and understand what I'm going through.
Nothing hurts anymore, I'm just bitter and empty.
I've been hurt so much that I don't feel anything anymore, and it's turned me into a bitter, empty person.
Don't try to save me, I'll be just fine.
I don't want your help, I'll figure things out on my own.
You don't know where I have been.
You can't understand my struggles because you haven't lived through them yourself.
This is more than a cold, cheap conversation.
I need you to listen and really understand what I'm saying, this isn't just a meaningless conversation.
So don't be surprised, if I say
I'm warning you that I'm going to say something that might shock you.
"You can keep your words.
I don't want to hear any empty words of comfort or sympathy from you.
You can keep your kingdom.
I don't care about your status or position in life, it means nothing to me.
Keep your hands to yourself, I'll bet you've never met a sinner like me."
Don't try to touch me or help me, because you can't understand the pain and sins I've committed.
I sit alone, with a demon hanging on my back.
I'm burdened by my past mistakes and they feel like a heavy demon weighing me down.
Finger resting on the trigger, I was weak and hopeless.
I was in a dark place where I thought the only way out was to harm myself, and I felt powerless to stop myself.
Everyone talks, but nobody listens.
People try to talk to me, but they don't truly listen or understand what I'm going through.
And even though you claim his name, it's not enough to kill the pain.
Even if you bring up religion or try to offer me salvation, it's not enough to make my pain disappear.
I'll be just fine. There's no rest in the bed that I have made.
I'll be okay, but I know that I have to deal with the consequences of my actions.
A fool I am, I'll hold my pride above the things that keep me suffering.
I know that my pride is causing me pain, but I still hold onto it instead of letting it go.
"Can you feel these words? I will never leave you.
I want you to truly understand the emotion behind these words I'm saying, and I want to reassure you that I'll never abandon you.
Lay your burdens to the ground, walk away and I will set you free.
If you let go of your problems and let me help you, I can free you from your pain.
And I have always known your name.
I've always been aware of your struggles, and I want to help you overcome them.
It kills me son to hear you say 'keep your hands to yourself I'll bet you've never met a sinner like me.'
It hurts me to hear you reject my help and think that I can't understand your pain and sins.
I've always known your name.
I've always been aware of your struggles and I am still here to help you, regardless of what you say.
Contributed by Aiden F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
MrJimmy6eyes
This album showcases the mind of a true addict, doesn't necessarily have to be hard drugs (I know this song specifically talks about heroine/crack/meth), but being an alcoholic and drug abuser myself (pills/cocaine), all while claiming to be 'Christian' at the same time, I can most definitely relate to what Shane sings about throughout this entire album (especially this song and Poison). This is what the "Christian" market/mainstream needs, REAL music, about REAL issues, from REAL artists that have fought the battles. A REAL display of what this world of sin truly offers, alongside the message of overcoming it only with the Lord's help and provision (ie. Jesus the Christ).This is why I love artists like EISM, Dustin Kensrue (Thrice and solo work), Mouth of the South, A Feast for Kings, and Beartooth (along with many, many others); they display what 'true' Christianity should look like. And please don't misinterpret that I may be downplaying what tons of other artists do; I know my opinion is strictly subjective to my own beliefs and tastes, I have only listed the bands and artists that have spoken the most to my own insignificant self.
Tunde
MrJimmy6eyes I know you commented this three years ago but I just want to say that I wholeheartedly agree with your comment. I just discovered this band and album and it's so moving for me as a recovering porn addict and follower of Christ.
awkwardusername
Aggressive and emotional. A really good song.
Mr. Rich B.O.B 👑
Some songs, no matter how sad, you can't help but listen to over and over again...
The Third
Frick this is awesome! I just discovered this band and am already in love with them.
Jeremy D
That is some of the best songwriting I have seen in a while. Wow that is emotional
GrizzlyOne95
This is an awesome song!
Coldcube
One of the better songs...for now.
Jonathon Butler
Pure genius.
Thiago Pacheco
So good!