They changed their name to Finger Eleven for their breakthrough Tip, released on Mercury Records in Canada in 1997, and re-released by Wind-Up Records in the United States in 1998. The name Finger Eleven comes from an earlier version of the song Thin Spirits from the album Tip. Lead singer, Scott Anderson explains: "when everything is pushing you in one direction and your instinct drives you in another--that’s finger eleven."
A year later, drummer Rob Gommerman left the band and was replaced by Rich Beddoe. In 2000 they released The Greyest of Blue Skies. 2003's self-titled album Finger Eleven was a commercial success, spawning the single One Thing which reached #16 in the US. The band also recorded the song Slow Chemical for WWE superstar Kane and Daaam! (feat. Tha Alkaholiks) on the compilation album Loud Rocks.
Them vs. You vs. Me, was released on March 6, 2007 and contains the singles Paralyzer, Falling On, I'll Keep Your Memory Vague, and Talking To The Walls.
Their most recent album, Life Turns Electric was released on Oct 5, 2010. It featured singles Living in a Dream, Whatever Doesn't Kill Me, Stone Soul and finally Pieces Fit.
Band Line-up
* Scott Anderson (vocals)
* Rick Jackett (guitar)
* James Black (guitar)
* Sean Anderson (bass)
* Rich Beddoe (drums)
Absent Elements
Finger Eleven Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Get them giving or steal the life they're breathing
They'll grow sickened
Take their secret codes and signals
Discover all they know
Keep up the pace now until it all dries up
You'll never find out now
Build your comfortable defense stronger still
Like an emptiness
Way too early to consider losing
Vacant staring may discover some reflection
Or may discover none
Just think what you've done
And watch it all add up
Like an emptiness you'll never fill
The song "Absent Elements" by Finger Eleven is a contemplative and introspective depiction of the human experience of feeling lost, empty, and disconnected from the world around us. It presents a somber and reflective perspective on how we cope with the inherent randomness and chaos of our existence.
The first verse sets the tone for the rest of the song, suggesting that we often conform to societal pressures and expectations in order to fit in and feel accepted. The line "get them giving or steal the life they're breathing" alludes to how we often adopt other people's values and beliefs as our own, even if they don't necessarily align with our true selves. The second half of the verse takes a darker turn, suggesting that this kind of conformity is ultimately unsustainable and leads to a sense of disillusionment and despair.
The chorus serves as a sort of refrain, repeating the phrase "like an emptiness you'll never fill" as a reminder of the futility of trying to find meaning and purpose in life. The second verse continues the theme of introspection and self-examination, suggesting that staring off into nothingness can lead to a moment of clarity or self-discovery, but it can also be an exercise in futility. The final lines of the song encourage the listener to reflect on their actions and choices and to consider the ultimate meaninglessness of it all.
Overall, "Absent Elements" is a powerful and thought-provoking song that tackles complex themes of conformity, existentialism, and the human condition. It invites the listener to question the meaning and purpose of their own life and encourages them to find comfort in the knowledge that we are all struggling to make sense of our chaotic and unpredictable world.
Line by Line Meaning
Everyone plays along
People conform to societal norms and expectations
Get them giving or steal the life they're breathing
Manipulate others to get what you want, even if it harms them
They'll grow sickened
People will eventually become disillusioned with the game being played
Take their secret codes and signals
Learn and exploit others' vulnerabilities and weaknesses
Discover all they know
Fully exploit others' knowledge and expertise
Keep up the pace now until it all dries up
Continue the exploitative behavior until there's nothing left to gain
You'll never find out now
It's too late to realize the harm caused
That all these absent elements
The missing pieces of oneself, such as compassion and empathy, that were sacrificed for personal gain
Build your comfortable defense stronger still
The absence of these elements allows for a selfish and uncaring stance towards others, but also reinforces weaknesses within oneself, creating a facade of invincibility
Like an emptiness
A void in one's self that cannot be filled, even with wealth or power
Way too early to consider losing
A mindset that prioritizes winning at all costs, regardless of how it affects others
Vacant staring may discover some reflection
Reflection on one's actions may lead to realization and change, but only when done genuinely
Or may discover none
Denial and ignorance can lead to further harm and perpetuate the cycle
Just think what you've done
Taken to reflect on the consequences of one's actions
And watch it all add up
The damage caused cannot be undone and will continue to affect those hurt
Like an emptiness you'll never fill
A warning that sacrificing one's humanity will never lead to true fulfillment or contentment
Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: RICHARD JACKETT, JAMES BLACK, RICHARD BEDDOE, SEAN ANDERSON, ROBERT ANDERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind