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.
Evil in a Closet
In Flames Lyrics
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You finished my sentence
I could never attract tomorrow
It pushes me aside
I sink in waters deep
Your presence kept me floating far from where secrets lie
Maybe in another life time I can be the first you meet
I once read a poem
Held my breath but that moments gone
First time I felt life somewhat hurt
I need an option, a reason, and some hope
Yell at me I want to be, your light that shines
But my ground is shaking and I might fall
I wish that I could say, I wish that I could be your evil in a closet
Yell at me I want to be, your light that shines
But my ground is shaking and I might fall
I wish that I could say, I wish that I could be your evil in a closet
The lyrics to In Flames's song Evil in a Closet are poetic yet haunting. The first stanza speaks of a close relationship where the two parties were so connected that one could finish the other's sentences. However, the second half of the stanza suggests that there was a sense of limitation, a feeling of being unable to attract "tomorrow," and being "pushed aside" by it. This feeling of being ignored or forgotten by the future carries on into the next stanza using the metaphor of sinking in deep waters but being kept afloat by the presence of another person. However, it's implied that this person is only keeping the singer away from the truth, the "secrets" that lie beneath the surface.
The following lines suggest a longing to be reunited with the person in another life but also a recognition of the passing of time as a moment is described as "gone" before the singer could even take a breath. The last two lines of the stanza are particularly poignant as they reveal that the singer is searching for an "option, a reason, and some hope" to hold onto, perhaps because the past relationship and memories no longer suffice.
The chorus of the song reveals the singer's desperate but ultimately futile desire to be not just a light in the other person's life but also their own personal demon, the embodiment of all their deepest fears and secrets. The final line of the chorus - "I wish that I could be your evil in a closet" - is perhaps the most haunting of all, suggesting a yearning not just for closeness but for a kind of darkness that is not healthy for either party.
Line by Line Meaning
We were one in words
We used to agree in everything that we said
You finished my sentence
You knew what I was trying to say before I could finish it
I could never attract tomorrow
I am not sure of my future
It pushes me aside
The uncertain future makes me feel insignificant
I sink in waters deep
I am drowning in deep worries
Your presence kept me floating far from where secrets lie
Your reassurance is the only thing keeping me from the dark places in my mind
Maybe in another life time I can be the first you meet
Perhaps in a different reality, you and I could have been together from the start
I once read a poem
I looked for solace in a poem
Held my breath but that moments gone
I used to find comfort in that poem, but not anymore
First time I felt life somewhat hurt
It was the first time that I realized how painful life can be
I need an option, a reason, and some hope
I am looking for solutions, explanations and positivity
Yell at me I want to be, your light that shines
I want to make you happy, even if it means being yelled at
But my ground is shaking and I might fall
But my current situation is unstable and I might not handle it well
I wish that I could say, I wish that I could be your evil in a closet
I wish that I had the guts to tell you that I want to be your darkest secret
Yell at me I want to be, your light that shines
I want to do anything for you
But my ground is shaking and I might fall
But I am struggling and might not be the best support right now
I wish that I could say, I wish that I could be your evil in a closet
I wish that I could be the one you keep hidden away, but still have with you
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ANDERS PAR FRIDEN, BJOERN INGVAR GELOTTE, JESPER CLAES HAAKAN STROEMBLAD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind