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.
Disconnected
In Flames Lyrics
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Wonder what's on their mind
Why do they run
They all seem to have a mission
But then they cry themselves to sleep
You receive what you give
And this is like nothing
But at least I feel something
Is this all you meant to be
There are marks in the pavement
You walk this route too many times
What if I changed the signs
Would you even take notice
You receive what you give
And this is like nothing
Oh I feel like shit
But at least I feel something
Is this all you have to give
Straight jacket you in
These shapes surrender
You receive what you give
And this is like nothing
Oh I feel like shit
But at least I feel something
You receive what you give
And this is like nothing
Oh I feel like shit
But at least I feel something
The lyrics to In Flames's song Disconnected explore the disconnect between people in society and the sense of purposelessness that can result. The track begins with the singer observing the dead outside his window and wondering what's on their mind. He questions their purpose and why they run, as they all seem to have a mission but end up crying themselves to sleep. This is a reflection of how people often lead seemingly purposeful lives, but are ultimately unfulfilled and unhappy.
The chorus repeats the phrase "you receive what you give," which suggests that people get back what they put out into the world. The singer feels like shit, but at least he feels something, emphasizing the importance of emotional connection and feeling alive. The second verse contains the image of marks in the pavement and walking the same route too many times. The singer wonders if changing the signs would make a difference, but questions whether anyone would even take notice.
Overall, the song showcases In Flames's signature combination of heavy metal sound with introspective lyrics that delve into the human experience. Disconnected encourages listeners to think about the purpose and meaning of their lives, and the importance of emotional connection.
Line by Line Meaning
Look at the dead outside my window
I see lifeless people outside my window.
Wonder what's on their mind
I am curious about their thoughts and feelings.
Why do they run
I question their motives for being in a hurry.
They all seem to have a mission
Everyone seems to have a purpose or goal.
But then they cry themselves to sleep
Despite their mission, they still experience pain and sadness.
You receive what you give
What you put out into the world is what you get back.
And this is like nothing
What I'm putting out into the world is having no effect.
Oh I feel like shit
I feel terrible.
But at least I feel something
Being able to feel gives me some sense of purpose.
Is this all you meant to be
Is this the life you intended to live?
There are marks in the pavement
The path I've been traveling on is well-worn.
You walk this route too many times
I've been stuck in a rut.
What if I changed the signs
What if I make a dramatic change in direction?
Would you even take notice
Would anyone even care or notice the change?
Is this all you have to give
Do I have nothing more significant to offer the world?
Straight jacket you in
I feel trapped and suffocated.
These shapes surrender
I'm giving up on trying to conform or fit in.
You receive what you give
What you put out into the world is what you get back.
And this is like nothing
What I'm putting out into the world is having no effect.
Oh I feel like shit
I feel terrible.
But at least I feel something
Being able to feel gives me some sense of purpose.
You receive what you give
What you put out into the world is what you get back.
And this is like nothing
What I'm putting out into the world is having no effect.
Oh I feel like shit
I feel terrible.
But at least I feel something
Being able to feel gives me some sense of purpose.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Anders Friden, Bjorn Gelotte, Jesper Stromblad
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind