Their debut album "Elyria" was released in 1993 and was followed by "Annwyn, Beneath The Waves" in 1996, in part a concept album based around the four elements. 1999 saw the release of their third album, "Evidence of Heaven". In 2001, "Vera Causa" a 2 CD set featuring a live permormance and various rarities was released. "The Burning Season" followed in 2004, and featured a more rock oriented formula. They continued to explore the boundaries of Gothic Rock with their 2009 album, :ankoku butoh: , an album which saw them delve into far-east Asian aesthetics.
Faith and the Muse currently live in Los Angeles, California, USA. Their website is http://www.mercyground.com
The Trauma Coil
Faith and the Muse Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Drawn into a corner
A symphony of resounding shrieks in my head
I court a sure, sudden death
But give no quarter
A paper soul tears the heart from the mind
Searing is the morning, a tenement of lights
Lost inside the attic
Wander with the shadows of shelter and smiles
Bleeding in a stairwell
Fever-staggered steps and a mouth so dry
Three liquid words collapse
Blind and chasing sirens
Five years of night time and a heart made of tin
Allow your sympathies the length of a table
I recognize no brother
Lash out at their smiles and walk in through their eyes
As my knowledge, does the knowing
Split my being from past days
In decision, in departing
In the severance of old ways
With precision, in my silence
I perceive the bitter still
Imposition, these young calling
Withered kisses, or the kill?
Together we stand
We stand so still
Indifference, hollow laughter
Bathes the walls of this lost home
So futile, all attempts
Affectations, long to roam
Ever spinning, vile actress
Answered blindly to the call
The price, child yet again we sit
And watch our private rome fall
I am not well
No, not well at all
The Trauma Coil, a song by Faith and the Muse, tells a story of a protagonist who seems to be in a state of confusion and despair. The imagery used throughout the song is dark and chaotic. The opening line, "Another night down on the Catherine wheel," refers to a medieval torture device that spins the victim while they are stretched out, causing unbearable pain. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, as it suggests the singer is trapped and suffering.
The lyrics seem to be describing a mental breakdown, as "a symphony of resounding shrieks in my head" and "a head full of rain" suggest a mind that is overwhelmed and tormented. The singer seems to be battling with suicidal thoughts and a sense of disconnect from others. They "give no quarter" and "recognize no brother," indicating a complete unwillingness to engage with the people around them.
Overall, The Trauma Coil is a powerful portrayal of mental anguish and emotional isolation. The lyrics capture the feeling of being trapped in a cycle of despair, with no clear way out.
Line by Line Meaning
Another night down on the catherine wheel
Another night spent suffering in agony
Drawn into a corner
Feeling trapped and helpless
A symphony of resounding shrieks in my head
Experiencing overwhelming and unbearable pain
I court a sure, sudden death
Contemplating suicide as a way out of the pain
But give no quarter
Refusing to give up despite the pain
A paper soul tears the heart from the mind
Feeling emotionally vulnerable and fragile, struggling to keep it together
Searing is the morning, a tenement of lights
Feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, unable to find peace or solace
Lost inside the attic
Feeling disconnected and lost, with no sense of purpose
On the floor again with a head full of rain
Feeling defeated and overwhelmed by emotions
Wander with the shadows of shelter and smiles
Feeling alone and isolated, seeking comfort that seems out of reach
Bleeding in a stairwell
Feeling wounded and vulnerable in a public place
Fever-staggered steps and a mouth so dry
Feeling physically unwell and exhausted
Three liquid words collapse
Feeling unable to express oneself or communicate effectively
Blind and chasing sirens
Feeling lost and confused, following the wrong path
Five years of night time and a heart made of tin
Feeling emotionally numb and disconnected for a long time
Allow your sympathies the length of a table
Beware of being too trusting or empathetic towards others
I recognize no brother
Feeling alienated and estranged from others
Lash out at their smiles and walk in through their eyes
Feeling angry and resentful towards others, but unable to effectively express it
As my knowledge, does the knowing
Gaining knowledge and insight into one's own pain and suffering
Split my being from past days
Breaking away from the past, letting go of old pains and struggles
In decision, in departing
Making difficult choices and leaving behind what is no longer serving oneself
In the severance of old ways
Cutting off toxic relationships or habits, moving towards healing and growth
With precision, in my silence
Taking deliberate and thoughtful action, even if it means being quiet or still
I perceive the bitter still
Recognizing the bitterness and pain that still exists, even after taking action towards healing
Imposition, these young calling
Feeling pressure from others, especially younger generations, to conform or change
Withered kisses, or the kill?
Choosing between something that is empty and meaningless, or something that is dangerous and harmful
Together we stand
Finding strength and support in community and relationships
We stand so still
Being strong and steadfast, even in the face of adversity
Indifference, hollow laughter
Feeling uncared for and invalidated, as if one's struggles do not matter
Bathes the walls of this lost home
Feeling lost and disconnected, with nowhere to turn for comfort or solace
So futile, all attempts
Feeling like everything is hopeless and pointless, no matter how hard one tries
Affectations, long to roam
Feeling a sense of restlessness or dissatisfaction, searching for something more meaningful and fulfilling
Ever spinning, vile actress
Feeling like life is a performance, and that one is never truly authentic or honest
Answered blindly to the call
Following blindly, without thought or deliberation
The price, child yet again we sit
Feeling like one has paid a heavy price for one's struggles, yet still suffering
And watch our private rome fall
Witnessing one's own life and struggles crumbling and falling apart
I am not well
Admitting that one is struggling and in need of help or support
Contributed by Jason W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.