Although their memorable songs and melodic, hard-driving sound has earned t… Read Full Bio ↴Although their memorable songs and melodic, hard-driving sound has earned them demo deals with both Immortal and Columbia, IF ALL ELSE FAILS decided to stick to their punk rock roots and pursue independent status in the spring of 2005. They havent looked back. Their music, a refreshing change from the love-angst emo and sugary pop-punk flooding todays popular radio, is rooted in classic songwriting, diverse melodies, pounding rhythms and a variety of lyrical topics ranging from the hypocrisy of fundamentalism to the uncaring greed of the modern American dream, fallen poets to falling bombs. In fact, it is their substance over style attitude that has earned them such a fiercely loyal fanbase; one that stretches from their home at the edge of Californias San Andreas fault to the far reaches of the country, and increasingly, the world. It is a fanbase that resonates with their DIY ethic and their intelligent and powerful brand of punk rock. --When we play live, we are constantly rewarded by our fans responses, both on a visceral and cerebral level. I mean, here you have a kid moshing, pogoing, completely lost in the energy and passion of the music, and somehow he still looks us in the eyes and sings the words back to us at his favorite parts; its really something special,-- says lead singer and lyricist Ryan Murphy. --The lack of sincerity in popular music today disgusts us, and were hell-bent on providing songs and shows that are completely honest and engaging-- IAEF is currently preparing plans for extensive touring. The band loves to meet new people who passionately love music and ideas, sound and sense.

Otherside
If All Else Fails Lyrics

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These things are closing in, more so than they've ever been
I'm trying to cope, I'm the example
Unjust the very least, my good times they all cease
The pain's been wrought, my will's been trampled
My say don't mean a thing, add up all they may bring
Ms. Justice has removed her blindfold
Become the underdog, reduced to whip and flog
I've fallen down, youth rendered old

Whoa! The path before me's set now
Whoa! the tedious climb back
I've tried to run, tried to hide escape this other side
There's no way I'll give in
My life has been taken away, powers at be will play
I do not count, impressive number
Statistics what they need, the innocent shall bleed
My morals shant be torn asunder
Been shoved into the back
My vision's gone to black waiting for reality to end this dream

Been called to walk the bow everything occurring now
And I cannot shake it 'cause I won't live with

Overall Meaning

these things closing in

The lyrics to "Otherside" by If All Else Fails describe a situation in which the singer feels trapped and powerless. They are facing some kind of injustice and have been reduced to a state of helplessness. The reference to Ms. Justice removing her blindfold could be interpreted as a commentary on the corrupt nature of the justice system. The singer is now an underdog, reduced to being whipped and flogged. They feel as though their youth has been taken away, and they are unable to escape the situation they find themselves in. Despite this, they refuse to give in and are determined to resist whatever forces are working against them.

The lyrics of the song are emotive and evoke a strong sense of struggle and conflict. The imagery used throughout the song is intense, highlighting the severity of the situation. The line "My morals shant be torn asunder" suggests that while the singer may have been beaten down and reduced to a state of powerlessness, their inner strength and integrity remain intact. The reference to statistics and the innocent bleeding suggests a commentary on the nature of power and the way it is used to oppress and exploit people.

Overall, "Otherside" is a powerful and evocative song that speaks to the experiences of people who are struggling to survive in the face of injustice and oppression.

Contributed by Micah I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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