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.
Goliaths Disarm Their Davids
In Flames Lyrics
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with each year of unprogression a fine of failure is added
closer than ever to the edge, a faith in resident martyrs
strong object track my body, my body down.
eyes, disappearing rebirth of light
between a labyrinth of errors and the key to the suicide era
digging through the graves of giants, words fly to me
a lonely load, like a promise failing miserably
to shake the entire organism, closer than ever, ever to the edge
eyes, disappearing rebirth of light
between a labyrinth of errors and the key to the suicide era
i kill for the code, to disarm this mess
of psychotic chaos that once i mixed up myself
disarm
ing goliaths, our only chance to survive
let the small ones work, they can take care of themselves
eyes, disappearing rebirth of light
between a labyrinth of errors and the key to the suicide era
The lyrics to In Flames's song Goliaths Disarm Their Davids can be interpreted as a commentary on the state of society and the human condition. The first verse speaks of a society spiraling down into social hell due to unprogression, and the consequences of failure are added with each passing year. The reference to "resident martyrs" suggests that people are becoming complacent and allowing those in power to dictate their fate. The object tracking the body may represent the influence of larger forces on individuals.
The chorus speaks of disappearing eyes and a rebirth of light between a labyrinth of errors and the key to the suicide era. This may suggest that, despite the darkness and confusion of the current state of society, there is still a glimmer of hope for a better future. However, this future can only be reached by fighting through the mistakes and missteps of the past.
The second verse speaks of the need for someone to take action and disarm the chaos that they had a hand in creating. The metaphor of disarming goliaths suggests taking down the larger forces causing chaos, and relying on the smaller ones to take care of themselves. This could be a commentary on individuals taking control of their own lives instead of relying on those in power.
Line by Line Meaning
Bible Arm on social hell spins its downward spiral
The influence of religion on society has caused a negative spiral.
with each year of unprogression a fine of failure is added
Not making progress only leads to more failure.
closer than ever to the edge, a faith in resident martyrs
Feelings of desperation and hopelessness lead to the belief in martyrs as saviors.
strong object track my body, my body down.
An external force is causing physical and mental breakdown.
eyes, disappearing rebirth of light
Hope is fading and darkness is taking over.
between a labyrinth of errors and the key to the suicide era
Trapped in a cycle of mistakes and the danger of self-harm.
digging through the graves of giants, words fly to me
Studying the works and messages of great figures from the past.
a lonely load, like a promise failing miserably
Feeling isolated and burdened by unfulfilled promises.
running through like an alphabet of hate
Experiencing a range of negative emotions that fuel aggressive actions.
to shake the entire organism, closer than ever, ever to the edge
The situation is so dire that it could cause a complete breakdown of the individual.
i kill for the code, to disarm this mess
Fighting for a solution to bring an end to chaos and destruction.
of psychotic chaos that once i mixed up myself
The chaos and disorder was brought upon by the individual's own actions.
disarm
To end the turmoil and destruction.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ANDERS PAR FRIDEN, BJOERN INGVAR GELOTTE, JESPER CLAES HAAKAN STROEMBLAD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind