During the band's early years, In Flames had a varying group of musicians recording with them, including many session musicians. By the release of Colony (1999), the group had established a stable lineup. Their sixth studio album Reroute to Remain (2002) showed the band moving toward a newer style of music that moved further away from melodic death metal and closer to alternative metal. This decision was criticized by fans of the group's heavier metal sound; however, it increased the band's mainstream audience and bolstered their album sales. As of 2008, In Flames has sold over two million records worldwide.
Since the band's inception, In Flames have released thirteen studio albums, three EPs, and two live DVDs, their latest release being their thirteenth studio album I, the Mask in 2019. In Flames has been nominated for three Grammis Awards. They won two of these nominations; one for Soundtrack to Your Escape (2004) in the "Hard Rock/Metal of the Year" category, and one nomination for their following album Come Clarity (2006) in the same category.
10 Everything Counts
In Flames Lyrics
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From the contract there's no turning back
The turning point of a career
In Korea being insincere
The holiday was fun-packed
The contract still intact
[Chorus:]
All for themselves after all
The grabbing hands grab all they can
All for themselves after all
It's a competitive world
Everything counts in large amounts
The graph on the wall
Tells the story of it all
Picture it now see just how
The lies and deceit gained a little more power
Confidence taken in
By a suntan and a grin
[Chorus:]
Everything counts in large amounts
The grabbing hands grab all they can
Everything counts in large amounts
The song "Everything Counts" by In Flames is a cover of an iconic song by Depeche Mode. The lyrics of the song describe the cunning and greed of the corporate world, where the handshake is seen as the ultimate seal of contract. From that moment, there is no going back, and one needs to meet the demands without fail. The song highlights the turning point in the career of an individual as he tries to keep a balance between being sincere and insincere to succeed in the competitive world. The holiday may have been fun-packed, but the contract still remains the primary focus.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the grabbing hands that grab all that they can for themselves, highlighting the greed of the people in power. The lyrics suggest that in large amounts, everything counts, which means that people's actions and decisions have the potential to impact the world in a significant way. The graph on the wall is symbolic of the corporate world's obsession with numbers and how they manipulate data to gain power and influence. The song suggests that the confidence of people can be influenced by superficial things like a suntan and a grin, which can be misleading.
Overall, the song is a powerful commentary on the corporate world and how it affects people's lives. In Flames's cover of the song adds a heavy metal twist to the original song, making it an enthralling listen.
Line by Line Meaning
The handshake seals the contract
The business deal was finalized with a simple handshake, signifying that both parties involved agreed and committed to the terms and conditions of the contract.
From the contract there's no turning back
Once the contract is signed by both parties, the agreed-upon terms and conditions are irreversible, and cannot be changed or altered without due process and agreement from all parties involved.
The turning point of a career
This particular business deal or contract that was signed is significant enough to make or break one's career, reputation, and financial well-being.
In Korea being insincere
This line points out the underlying culture of dishonesty and lack of sincerity in business dealings in Korea, indicating that being dishonest is a common practice of doing business.
The holiday was fun-packed
The person involved may have taken a vacation before or after sealing the deal, which was very enjoyable and filled with fun activities.
The contract still intact
This line states that despite the vacation, the contract is still in effect and has not been broken or breached by either party.
The grabbing hands grab all they can
This line emphasizes the cutthroat and selfish nature of businesses, where companies and individuals are willing to do anything to maximize their profits and gain an upper hand against their competitors, with little regard for moral or ethical standards.
All for themselves after all
This line reinforces the previous statement by saying that everything businesses do is for personal gain, and not for the betterment of society or the world as a whole.
It's a competitive world
This line acknowledges that the business world is highly competitive, and everyone is striving to be on top, often resorting to unethical or immoral means to achieve their goals.
Everything counts in large amounts
This line implies that even the smallest actions or decisions can contribute to a larger outcome and have significant consequences in a competitive business environment with large amounts of money involved.
The graph on the wall, tells the story of it all
The chart or graph on the wall is most likely a visual representation of the company's finances, showing where the money is coming from and where it is being spent. It is an essential tool that helps managers understand how the company is doing financially and make more informed decisions.
Picture it now, see just how
This line encourages the listener or reader to visualize how the grabbing hands and deceitful business practices have affected the company's finances, and how it has a ripple effect on the rest of the business operations.
The lies and deceit, gained a little more power
This line suggests that dishonest practices and deceit accumulate over time, growing more powerful with each additional incident until it becomes challenging to differentiate the truth from falsehood.
Confidence taken in, by a suntan and a grin
This line refers to the shallow nature of some businesspeople who judge others based on their appearance and attitude rather than their skills, knowledge, and experience. Confidence can be gained by tanning, a sign of wealth and taking a relaxed attitude towards business.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Martin Gore
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind