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.
Coerced Coexistence
In Flames Lyrics
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As a part-owner to my pain
Our ideals they collide
Coerced coexistence
I fought the world today - postpone my birth again
We stumble on and one - but bound to die alone
Pine - I need some sympathy
This infiltrates my brain
"in the sunshine the sun is mine"
Pitiless wanderer
Close your eyes and bow your head
Grotesque thoughts in a line
Threw my wings into the blazing sun
Smile stretched on old trees
Eternal Brining jester masque
Don't hurt a fly they all sing
We're just ants in a great big play
Commercialize-infect-annihilate-progress
Visualize-inhale-pretend-betray
The lyrics of the song 'Coerced Coexistence' by In Flames touch upon the subjects of pain and conflict, as well as the idea of surrendering oneself to the whims of society. The opening lines, "I'll take you on a ride, as a part-owner to my pain, our ideals they collide, coerced coexistence" set the tone for the song's message. The singer of the lyrics is inviting the listener to accompany him on a journey through life, where he is constantly confronted with pain and the tension between their own ideals and those of the society they live in. The term "coerced coexistence" describes how one is forced to exist alongside others who may have very different values and beliefs.
The chorus of "pine, I'm selling my soul today, pine, I need some sympathy" can be read as a lament to the listener to hear the pain of the singer's existence. The next stanza portrays the singer's psyche being infiltrated by thoughts of despair as he hears a voice say "in the sunshine the sun is mine" that further emphasizes the feeling of being trapped. The phrase "grotesque thoughts in a line" seems to indicate the presence of many negative thoughts circulating in the character's mind.
The lyrics go on to describe how one is expected to play their designated roles in society without standing out, and how the system commercializes progress and people. The words "visualize-inhale-pretend-betray" reflect how one is required to pretend that the system is working in their favor while they betray their own beliefs. Overall, the song's message is a commentary on how society and its establishment impose their ideas on individuals, and how this can lead to the loss of individuality.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll take you on a ride
I will make you experience the journey of my life
As a part-owner to my pain
You will have the opportunity to share in my suffering
Our ideals they collide
Our beliefs and principles are in complete opposition
Coerced coexistence
We are forced to coexist despite our differences
I fought the world today - postpone my birth again
Life is a constant struggle that forces me to delay my progress
We stumble on and one - but bound to die alone
We may walk together in life, but we will ultimately face death alone
Pine - I'm selling my soul today
I am willing to sacrifice my integrity for personal gain
Pine - I need some sympathy
I require empathy and comfort in my time of need
This infiltrates my brain
These thoughts have permeated my mind
"in the sunshine the sun is mine"
I am the master of my own destiny
Pitiless wanderer
I am a ruthless traveler
Close your eyes and bow your head
Accept your fate and submit to a higher power
Grotesque thoughts in a line
Unpleasant ideas that follow one after another
Threw my wings into the blazing sun
I took a risk that ultimately led to my downfall
Smile stretched on old trees
The signs of a happy past that remain in the present
Eternal Brining jester masque
A never-ending cycle of joy and sorrow
Don't hurt a fly they all sing
Even the smallest beings deserve compassion
We're just ants in a great big play
We are insignificant in the grand scheme of things
Commercialize-infect-annihilate-progress
The cycle of capitalism that destroys in the name of progress
Visualize-inhale-pretend-betray
The process of fooling ourselves and others for personal gain
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ANDERS PAR FRIDEN, BJOERN INGVAR GELOTTE, JESPER CLAES HAAKAN STROEMBLAD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind