The discography of Helmet boasts eight studio albums and two compilation albums. Following their initial release, "Strap It On" (1990), through Amphetamine Reptile, Helmet inked a deal with Interscope Records, leading to three albums under the label, notably the highly successful "Meantime" (1992). While their subsequent works, "Betty" (1994) and "Aftertaste" (1997), achieved considerable success, they fell short of matching the critical and popular acclaim garnered by "Meantime." After disbanding in 1998, Helmet regrouped in 2004 and has since presented four additional albums: "Size Matters" (2004), "Monochrome" (2006), "Seeing Eye Dog" (2010), and "Dead to the World" (2016). Currently, the band is actively engaged in the creation of their ninth studio album.
Discography
Strap It On (1990)
Meantime (1992)
Betty (1994)
Aftertaste (1997)
Size Matters (2004)
Monochrome (2006)
Seeing Eye Dog (2010)
Dead to the World (2016)
Pariah
Helmet Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He's changing on his own
Fashion comes to mind
He loves to wear silk gowns
Grapefruit in his bed
Orange juice with his meal
Lemon flavored gum
Crawling on citrus knees
Climbing up the citrus tree
The lyrics to Helmet's song Pariah paint a picture of a person who is undergoing a transformation, brought on by circumstances beyond their control. This transformation is characterized by a newfound focus on fashion and a departure from traditional gender norms, as evidenced by the singer's love of wearing silk gowns. The use of citrus imagery further underscores the idea of change, with the individual crawling on "citrus knees" and climbing a "citrus tree." The reference to "the secrets living breeds" suggests that the person is struggling with internal turmoil and uncertainty as they navigate this transformative period.
Overall, the lyrics to Pariah are introspective and reflective, exploring themes of identity, transformation, and the difficulties that can arise when we try to break free from societal expectations. The use of vivid imagery and clever wordplay make this song a powerful meditation on the human condition and the ways in which we can change and grow over time.
Line by Line Meaning
Fell prey to circumstance
He became a victim of his situation
He's changing on his own
He's evolving by himself
Fashion comes to mind
He thinks of style
He loves to wear silk gowns
He adores wearing silk dresses
Grapefruit in his bed
He sleeps with grapefruits
Orange juice with his meal
He drinks orange juice with his food
Lemon flavored gum
He chews gum with lemon taste
The secrets living breeds
Living with secrets generates more secrets
Crawling on citrus knees
Moving with great effort on one's knees
Climbing up the citrus tree
Ascending on the citrus tree
Contributed by Eli H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Chris Mijares
With the exception of Blacktop, this is likely one of Helmet’s most sinister riffs.
Dank Memes
Nah. Sinatra is probably their darkest, most sinister sounding song.
Terrible Crayon
This should have made the album!
TheShiver
and made but only on the japanese release ;p
alex
I agree! this and thick should've replaced sam hell and silver hawaiian
Keith Bornzin
Me too. Drumteching for John thru Meantime & ended (&named BETTY), to work for Josh on the TAD INHALER TOUR. GOOD SHIT MAN! WE WORKED HARD DEVELOPING JOHNS SOUND. & nope, NOT a picalo.....
Daniel Gibson
The drum production and performance on "Inhaler" are both mighty, mighty tasty!
Peeter's Drumming & Music
this song has a strap it on feel to it
Erik Avery
I've only heard this live!
wolfey 41
They played this live!?