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)
Turned Out
Helmet Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Clean and schooled right down to the minute
You need to hear that your life is rough
Speaking out and cold that you've had enough
You know how to live and your heart's gone 'bi'
Substance rush giving art a try
Your righteous squat's been burned to the ground
Never utter a sound
High times, hard time
Downtown julie brown
You turned out
Wasted time
Need escape me
Missed it, right?
You turned out
Take my time
Give it to you
Get out
The lyrics to Helmet's song "Turned Out" are a commentary on the pressure of conforming to societal expectations and losing one's individuality in the process. The first two lines in the song suggest that the singer has put a lot of effort into appearing polished and perfect, but this facade is not enough to impress the cynics. The cynics are the people who are too jaded and skeptical to believe in anything, and the singer is trying to appeal to them in some way.
The next line "you need to hear that your life is rough" is an ironic statement because it is the opposite of the message that the rest of the song conveys. The singer is telling the cynics that his life is tough, but he is really using this line to mock them because he knows that in their eyes, his life is easy and privileged. The following lines suggest that the singer is tired of having to prove himself to others and is ready to speak out and rebel against the norms.
The chorus of the song implies a sense of regret and longing for something that has been lost. The line "you turned out" can be interpreted in two ways, either the singer has turned out well or turned out badly, but given the overall tone of the song, it is more likely to be the latter. The singer feels like he has wasted his time conforming to society's expectations and wants to escape this life that he has created for himself. He longs for something more authentic, which he has missed out on.
Line by Line Meaning
Come off crisp and play up to the cynic
You put on a polished facade and appeal to the cynics around you.
Clean and schooled right down to the minute
Everything about you is precise and calculated, reflecting your education and upbringing.
You need to hear that your life is rough
You crave validation for the struggles and hardships in your life.
Speaking out and cold that you've had enough
You speak your mind boldly and without emotion, conveying that you're fed up with something or someone.
You know how to live and your heart's gone 'bi'
You have a full understanding of how to live your life, and your passions drive you forward.
Substance rush giving art a try
You experiment with artistry and creative expression through the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Your righteous squat's been burned to the ground
Your once-beloved community or dwelling, built on principles of righteousness, has been destroyed.
Pass the buck never utter a sound
You shift the blame or responsibility away from yourself and remain silent to avoid confrontation or accountability.
High times hard time downtown julie brown
Life has its highs and lows, both good and bad, and it can be compared to the ups and downs of a rollercoaster ride.
You turned out wasted time need escape me missed it right?
You ended up being a disappointment, wasting your time and needing to escape your past. Did you miss your chance to make things right?
You turned out take my time give it to you get out
You turned out to be a burden and a time-waster. I'm giving you back your own time by telling you to leave.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: PAGE NYE HAMILTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind