Harmful was originally a trio, founded in 1992 by members Aren Emirze, Chris Aidonopoulos and Nico Heimann. Their 2007 album 7 was produced by former Faith No More bassist and record producer Billy Gould who subsequently joined the band as a fourth member.
Album discography:
* 1995: Harmful (BluNoise)
* 1997: Apoplexy.136 (BluNoise)
* 2000: Counterbalance (Firestarter/BMG)
* 2001: Wromantic (Firestarter/BMG)
* 2003: Sanguine (Steamhammer/SPV)
* 2005: Sis Masis (Nois-o-Lution)
* 2007: 7 (Nois-o-Lution)
* 2010: Cause (PIAS)
Notwithstanding
Harmful Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My hopeless tears based on the lack of extremes that I feel... towards you
It took place... notwithstanding, I planned to leave... notwithstanding
Covered with a pensive smile... I try to hide Look out over the other side... where love rules undone
We´re waiting for tomorrow... the day of all days
Notwithstanding... I planned to leave... notwithstanding
For a longer space a desert crosses the ocean of frozen love
She seems to care... notwithstanding
Notwithstanding... I planned to leave... notwithstanding
For a longer space a desert crosses the ocean of frozen love
She seems to care... notwithstanding
The lyrics to "Notwithstanding" by Harmful explore the emotions of someone who is struggling to let go of a relationship. The opening lines hint at a sense of resignation and acceptance, as the singer acknowledges that they have only a few words left to say. However, they quickly pivot to a sense of frustration and hopelessness, as they describe their tears as being based on the lack of extremes they feel towards their partner.
The chorus of the song centers around the word "notwithstanding," which means despite something or in spite of something. The singer repeats this word several times, emphasizing the fact that they had planned to leave the relationship, but something has held them back. They describe themselves as being "covered with a pensive smile," indicating that they are trying to hide their true feelings and put on a brave face.
The lyrics also touch on the idea that love can be unpredictable and unstable. The singer describes their attempts to "get rid of" their partner naturally, but acknowledges that love offers no guarantees. They also paint a picture of a desert crossing an ocean of frozen love, highlighting the idea that the relationship has become barren and lifeless.
Overall, the lyrics to "Notwithstanding" describe the conflicted emotions and uncertain feelings that can arise when trying to move on from a relationship. The use of language and imagery evoke a sense of melancholy and introspection, allowing the listener to empathize with the singer's struggles.
Line by Line Meaning
It seems like I have just a few more words to say
As I am expressing my feelings, I feel like there are only a few words left for me to say.
My hopeless tears based on the lack of extremes that I feel... towards you
My tears reflect my hopelessness as I can't seem to feel any extreme emotions towards you.
It took place... notwithstanding, I planned to leave... notwithstanding
Something happened despite it being unexpected, but it doesn't change the fact that I still planned on leaving.
Covered with a pensive smile... I try to hide Look out over the other side... where love rules undone
I conceal my emotions with a sad smile and look towards the place where love is not victorious.
We´re waiting for tomorrow... the day of all days
We are anxiously waiting for the most important day, tomorrow.
Notwithstanding... I planned to leave... notwithstanding
Despite everything that has happened, my plan to leave has not changed.
For a longer space a desert crosses the ocean of frozen love
An empty, dry desert spans a vast frozen sea of lovelessness.
She seems to care... notwithstanding
Although she may seem to care, it does not change the situation.
I try to get rid of you naturally... 'cause I know love offers no guarantee
I am trying to naturally move on from you because I understand that love does not come with any guarantees.
Notwithstanding... I planned to leave... notwithstanding
Despite everything that has happened, my plan to leave has not changed.
For a longer space a desert crosses the ocean of frozen love
An empty, dry desert spans a vast frozen sea of lovelessness.
She seems to care... notwithstanding
Although she may seem to care, it does not change the situation.
Contributed by Riley K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.