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)
Tenderly
Harmful Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm not a depressed character
Done with this chapter
I'll try to find a way out
My mind tends to jump around a little
I never felt right in the middle
You always see the worst in people
Wrong time, wrong place
Maybe that accounts for my personality
A little nervous but… tenderly
My mind tends to jump around a little
I never felt right in the middle
You always see the worst in people
You can't get along with anyone
You ignored it for much too long
Out of step with the world
The lyrics to Harmful's song "Tenderly" explore themes of mental health and the struggle to find one's place in the world. The opening lines "I'm not a morose type, I'm not a depressed character," suggest that the singer is self-aware and trying to distance themselves from any stereotypes associated with mental illness. They are "done with this chapter" and searching for a way out of their discomfort.
The lyrics go on to describe the singer's tendency to feel out of place, as if they "never felt right in the middle." They recognize that they "always see the worst in people," which could suggest a negative self-image or a general cynicism about the world. The phrase "wrong time, wrong place" captures a feeling of being out of sync with one's surroundings, while the line "can't breathe gotta make my space" suggests a need for independence and breathing room.
Throughout the song, the singer acknowledges their own tendencies towards anxiety or nervousness, but also asserts their softer side with the word "tenderly." This suggests a nuanced attitude towards mental health, one that recognizes both the challenges and the strengths of those who struggle with it.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm not a morose type
I am not a gloomy or sullen person.
I'm not a depressed character
I am not a person who feels deep sadness and hopelessness.
Done with this chapter
I am finished with this part of my life.
I'll try to find a way out
I will attempt to escape or leave this situation.
My mind tends to jump around a little
My thoughts are scattered and disorganized.
I never felt right in the middle
I have never felt like I fit in well with others.
You always see the worst in people
You have a tendency to focus on the negative traits of others.
Wrong time, wrong place
I am in an unfortunate situation that is not ideal for me.
Can't breathe gotta make my space
I feel suffocated and need to create some distance from others.
Maybe that accounts for my personality
Perhaps these experiences have contributed to the way I behave.
A little nervous but tenderly
I am slightly anxious, but I am also gentle and kind.
My mind tends to jump around a little
My thoughts are scattered and disorganized.
I never felt right in the middle
I have never felt like I fit in well with others.
You always see the worst in people
You have a tendency to focus on the negative traits of others.
You can't get along with anyone
It seems that you are unable to have positive relationships with others.
You ignored it for much too long
You were aware of this issue but did not address it for an extended period of time.
Out of step with the world
I feel disconnected or out of sync with the rest of society.
Contributed by Lillian I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.