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.
Inflames- Pinball Map
In Flames Lyrics
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Conflict serum is my aura
It seems that life's so fragile
I guess I'll fly some other time
I lack from superhighway thoughts
Won't live as long as the city lights
Soaked by underwater times
Wish I could rape the day,
Just something radical
Lost the sense of sweet things
Who's gonna take me widely?
Guided by the pinball map
The driver, still unknown to me
Who was sent to glorify?
Before we injected this common pride
Sometimes I don't belong
Release me from your world
Pacified by the small things in life
I wait for earthquakes to rearrange
Never been able to use the force
I only have it read to me
Despite all the misguided faith
(Maybe) I'll find a place in this mess
Early morning moments
A glimpse of joy
But soon it's over and I return to dust
As I try to be
Everything and everyone
I waste away
The lyrics of In Flames's song Pinball Map delve into the fragility of life and the search for meaning in a confusing world. The singer seems to be struggling with the idea that life is short and uncertain, and that the things he thought were important may not be as meaningful as he once believed. He longs for something radical, a change that will shake up his existence and give him a sense of purpose. The pinball map becomes a symbol for this search, as he is guided by something that is unknown to him, but that offers the possibility of something greater.
The lyrics also touch on the idea of belonging and feeling out of place in the world. The singer seems to be searching for a way to connect with something larger than himself, but he struggles to do so. He feels pacified by the small things in life, but is always waiting for something bigger to happen. Ultimately, he realizes that he is wasting away, unable to find his place in the confusion of the world around him.
Overall, Pinball Map is a deeply introspective song that offers a glimpse into the struggles of the human experience. It deals with universal themes of uncertainty, confusion, and the search for meaning, making it a powerful and resonant piece of music.
Line by Line Meaning
As I aim for that bright white day
I am striving for a better future
Conflict serum is my aura
I am surrounded by negativity
It seems that life's so fragile
Life is delicate and easily lost
I guess I'll fly some other time
I'll live life in the future
I lack from superhighway thoughts
I don't have grand ambitions
Won't live as long as the city lights
I won't have a long life in the city
Soaked by underwater times
I am overwhelmed by difficulties in my life
Electric splash on a midnight drive
I am energized by nocturnal activity
Wish I could rape the day, Just something radical
I wish to take control of life and do something extreme
Lost the sense of sweet things
I have forgotten the pleasures of life
Who's gonna take me widely?
Who will show me new experiences?
Guided by the pinball map
I am looking to fate for direction
The driver, still unknown to me
I don't know who is in control of my life
Who was sent to glorify?
Is there anyone who can make my life better?
Before we injected this common pride
Before we followed the common beliefs and values
Sometimes I don't belong
I don't fit in with others
Release me from your world
I want to escape from society's norms
Pacified by the small things in life
I am content with simple pleasures
I wait for earthquakes to rearrange
I hope for change to come naturally
Never been able to use the force
I am not powerful enough to change my life
I only have it read to me
I rely on others to suggest solutions
Despite all the misguided faith
Despite following beliefs that didn't help me
(Maybe) I'll find a place in this mess
Perhaps I will find my place in the chaos of life
Early morning moments
Moments of clarity in the morning
A glimpse of joy
A brief moment of happiness
But soon it's over and I return to dust
But that moment is fleeting, and life is temporary
As I try to be, Everything and everyone
As I try to please everyone and be everything
I waste away
I am slowly deteriorating
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ANDERS PAR FRIDEN, BJOERN INGVAR GELOTTE, JESPER CLAES HAAKAN STROEMBLAD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind