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.
Pacing Death's Trail
In Flames Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Resolve and compromise
Dedication domination
Please define the lines
Mutation innovation
Bear off to sun seen
Retaliation termination
Surrender to nothing
Run as far as you can
I tried to
Hold on to what I believe in
But my heart
Is in a coma
Integration redemption
A need to be seen
Gyrated disrespected
Stand in line to be center of scene
Surrender to nothing
Run as far as you can
I tried to
Hold on to what I believe in
But my heart
Is in a coma
Surrender to nothing
Run as far as you can
I tried to
Hold on to what I believe in
But my heart
Is in a coma
The lyrics to In Flames's song Pacing Death's Trail are full of themes of conflict and confusion, as well as a struggle for identity and purpose. The opening lines, "Compassion confession, resolve and compromise, dedication domination, please define the lines" suggest that the singer is struggling with finding a balance between being driven and ambitious while also trying to maintain their moral compass and their sense of compassion. They may be looking for guidance or clarity as to where the lines between these qualities lie.
The second verse, with its lines "Mutation innovation, bear off to sun seen, retaliation termination, six lives and greed," is a commentary on the rapid pace of our world and the constant pressure to innovate and change. The singer seems to see it as a double-edged sword, where innovation leads to progress, but it also fuels greed and a desire for more at any cost.
The chorus of the song, "Surrender to nothing, run as far as you can, I tried to hold on to what I believe in, but my heart is in a coma" speaks to the profound unease and struggle that the singer is experiencing. They may feel like they are losing their sense of self and are desperate to escape the conflict and confusion they are experiencing.
Overall, Pacing Death's Trail captures the stark reality of the modern world, where we are constantly pushed to achieve more, but often at the cost of our own identity and values.
Line by Line Meaning
Compassion confession
The act of admitting one's wrongdoings with sincerity and kindness.
Resolve and compromise
A firm determination to find a mutually beneficial solution in case of conflict.
Dedication domination
The act of remaining committed to one's goals in order to control and overcome obstacles.
Please define the lines
Requesting an explanation or a detailed description of the circumstances or boundaries involved.
Mutation innovation
The process of adapting and changing to create something new and original.
Bear off to sun seen
Departing towards an unexplored and enlightening destination where the sun shines clearly.
Retaliation termination
The act of seeking justice or revenge to end a harmful cycle of behavior.
Six lives and greed
The dangerous combination of excessive desire leading to temptation and the potential cost of others' lives.
Surrender to nothing
Choosing to resist giving up or submitting to external forces that would control one's decisions and actions.
Run as far as you can
Taking every possible measure to escape imminent danger.
I tried to
Expressing an effort to achieve or maintain something despite challenges or obstacles.
Hold on to what I believe in
Refusing to abandon one's personal values or beliefs even in difficult situations.
But my heart
Acknowledging a deep-seated emotional conflict or detachment.
Is in a coma
Feeling emotionally numb or paralyzed, unable to connect to others or oneself fully.
Integration redemption
The process of reconciling or healing past wounds and incorporating them into a positive future narrative.
A need to be seen
Desiring validation and attention from others as a way to feel significant and worthy.
Gyrated disrespected
Feeling devalued or insulted by others' mocking or dismissive behavior.
Stand in line to be center of scene
Craving the spotlight or seeking attention at any cost, even waiting one's turn among others with the same goal.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ANDERS PAR FRIDEN, BJOERN INGVAR GELOTTE, JESPER CLAES HAAKAN STROEMBLAD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind