After three years of writing, touring and recording, For the Mathematics has announced the release of their highly anticipated second album We Impend. This release marks the bands partnership with southern Ontario label Year of the Sun, as well as the birth of FTM's own Soft Revolution Records.
We impend comes on the heels of the unexpected success of FTM's debut release. The New Science (2004) garnered international attention and praise.
For the Mathematics broke up in 2008.
Meta
For The Mathematics Lyrics
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we need a pledge to a solid goal
a creation of our rights
from the burning touch to the scent of it's impact
oh, how we're ruthless
to understand what we've lost
we need a brand new sound set in motives
from the burning touch
to the scent of it's impact
oh, how we're ruthless
oh, how we're trained to decimate
we trade in words and struggle
from the will to the flare of this opposition
(this world just swallows itself whole)
from the will to the touch
to assess where we stand
we need a brand new sound set in motives
an embrace of our right
from the burning touch
to the scent of it's impact
oh, how we're ruthless
from the will to the flare of this opposition
(this world just swallows itself whole)
from the will to the touch to the opposition
these laws have a sickening tendency to dissolve
time after time after time
oh, how we're trained to decimate
In the song "Meta" by For The Mathematics, the lyrics speak to the calculated and ruthless nature of human beings. The singer notes that in order to calculate the cost of something - whether it be a physical or emotional cost - there must be a solid goal to work towards. This goal is often tied to an individual or collective set of rights that must be established for progress to occur. The burning touch and the scent of impact are both powerful metaphors for the intensity and longevity of the cost being calculated.
The second stanza of the song speaks to the loss that can occur when these costs are ignored or neglected. In order to fully understand what has been lost, a brand new sound set in motives is necessary. Here, the singer is calling for a dramatic change in approach or technique in order to truly appreciate the costs involved in any given situation. Once again, the burning touch and the scent of impact are referenced as powerful and lasting markers of the costs involved. The final line of this stanza ("oh, how we're trained to decimate") speaks to the ruthlessness mentioned earlier in the song - a trait that is inherent in humanity.
The final section of the song speaks to the struggle and opposition involved in assessing where we stand and making progress. The need for a brand new sound set in motives is once again referenced, as is the idea of embracing individual or collective rights. The world is depicted as "swallowing itself whole", which is a dark and bleak notion. The final lines of the song mention the tendency of laws to dissolve and how humanity is trained to decimate. Overall, the song speaks to the cold and brutal nature of humanity, and the costs involved in progress and making change happen.
Line by Line Meaning
to calculate the cost
we need a pledge to a solid goal
a creation of our rights
from the burning touch to the scent of it's impact
oh, how we're ruthless
To properly determine the cost of something, we must have a clear objective and a strict plan in place. We must also establish our rights and create guidelines that we will follow throughout our journey. We will work hard and be unrelenting in our pursuit of success.
to understand what we've lost
we need a brand new sound set in motives
a creation of our rights
from the burning touch
to the scent of it's impact
oh, how we're ruthless
To truly comprehend the magnitude of our losses, we require a fresh perspective and a different approach. We must redefine our rights and how we see them. We must also feel the harsh reality of our losses, from the initial pain to the long-lasting effects. We will continue to be harsh and unyielding in our endeavors.
oh, how we're trained to decimate
We are taught and conditioned to destroy anything that stands in our way. We are not afraid to be ruthless.
we trade in words and struggle
from the will to the flare of this opposition
(this world just swallows itself whole)
from the will to the touch
We exchange ideas and battle with our opponents, from the fierce determination that motivates us to the outward display of our passion. We recognize that this world often consumes itself, and we may even be part of the problem. We will use every tool at our disposal to push forward.
to assess where we stand
we need a brand new sound set in motives
an embrace of our right
from the burning touch
to the scent of it's impact
oh, how we're ruthless
We must evaluate our position and determine our next steps, using a different and innovative approach. We must also accept and celebrate our rights and use them as a foundation. We must confront the raw emotions of our past and come to terms with their impact on us. We will continue to be unrelenting in our pursuit of progress.
from the will to the flare of this opposition
(this world just swallows itself whole)
from the will to the touch to the opposition
We will fight with passion and energy, even in the face of opposition that threatens to consume everything we know. We understand the immense pressure we face, but we will never back down.
these laws have a sickening tendency to dissolve
time after time after time
oh, how we're trained to decimate
We notice a pattern of laws that disappear or become useless over time, and it disgusts us. Furthermore, we have been taught to be powerful and ruthless, even when it means destroying anything that opposes us.
Contributed by Adeline P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.