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.
Rusted Nail
In Flames Lyrics
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The one who drives the rusted nail
But who's left will never care
Pretending becomes a chore
All you search for, a little piece of mind
Too far, too deep, the two faced smile
So lost, you feel, I know
Always a stranger in a crowd
Wide awake, always a stranger in a crowd
Just this once
Listen to the words I say
If you want I will
I'm there until the end of time
Leave the doomed behind
Search with different light
You were trying to remember
But it's all make believe
You are, you are, you are
Wide awake but still asleep (wide awake but still asleep)
Always a stranger in a crowd
Just this once
Listen to the words I say
If you want I will
I'm there until the end of time
Just this once
Listen to the words I say
If you want, I'm there
Just this once
Listen to the words I say
If you want I will
I'm there until the end of time
The lyrics to In Flames's song Rusted Nail seem to be about feeling isolated and misunderstood by others. The opening lines, "You want someone to blame, the one who drives the rusted nail" suggest that the singer is being blamed for something they didn't do, and that they are being judged harshly by others. The repetition of the phrase "wide awake but still asleep" portrays a sense of being in a limbo, perhaps feeling alone in a crowd and unable to connect to others.
The chorus offers a glimmer of hope in the form of someone willing to offer comfort and support. The repeated phrase "just this once, listen to the words I say, if you want I will, I'm there until the end of time" conveys the message that there is someone who understands and is willing to be there for the singer, despite their struggles. The closing lines, "just this once, listen to the words I say, if you want, I'm there" reiterates this message of support and highlights the importance of active listening and genuine care in supporting someone who may be feeling isolated.
Line by Line Meaning
You want someone to blame
You're looking for someone to take responsibility
The one who drives the rusted nail
The person who caused the problem
But who's left will never care
Nobody who remains will be concerned
Pretending becomes a chore
Having to fake emotions is exhausting
All you search for, a little piece of mind
Your only desire is peace of mind
Too far, too deep, the two faced smile
Someone's fake smile is too convincing to ignore
So lost, you feel, I know
You're feeling lost and I understand
Wide awake but still asleep
You're conscious but not truly living
Always a stranger in a crowd
You always feel like an outsider
Leave the doomed behind
Abandon those who are destined to fail
Search with different light
Look at things from another perspective
You were trying to remember
You were attempting to recall something important
But it's all make believe
But nothing is real, it's all a fantasy
You are, you are, you are
You exist, you're real
If you want I will
If you need me, I'll be there
I'm there until the end of time
I'll always be by your side
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ANDERS FRIDEN, BJORN GELOTTE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind