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.
Siren Charms
In Flames Lyrics
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These wrong ways are mine
But the whole world can just go to hell
This life is killing me
My feelings inside I can't explain
I'm awake, but not for long
The hope is still not gone
I'll set you free if you follow me
Reach out touch the hand of God
I gave you the story of my life
Some of my precious time
But I'm tired of this
With every promise of eternal light
Another feeling dies
The hope is still not gone
Somewhere behind the clouds
I'll set you free if you follow me
Reach out touch the hand of God
The hope is still not gone
Somewhere behind the clouds
I'll set you free if you follow me
Reach out touch the hand of God
(Reach out touch the hand of God)
I'll set you free if you follow me
Reach out touch the hand of God
The lyrics to In Flames's song Siren Charms paint a depiction of someone who is battling with intense feelings of unfulfillment and despair. The opening lines, "How far until the edge? These wrong ways are mine," highlight the internal conflict and self-destructive nature of the singer. Despite this, they acknowledge that the world cannot help them in their struggle, "But the whole world can just go to hell." The intensity of their emotions becomes unbearable and they assert that "This life is killing me."
However, amidst their struggle, the singer still holds on to a glimmer of hope. They believe that there is still a chance for salvation, described as being "Somewhere behind the clouds." They offer to help others find this hope, saying "I'll set you free if you follow me / Reach out touch the hand of God." The singer then reflects on their own experiences sharing their story and precious time with others, but ultimately feeling drained and tired of it.
Line by Line Meaning
How far until the edge?
How close am I to the brink of despair?
These wrong ways are mine
I am responsible for the choices that led me astray
But the whole world can just go to hell
I am so consumed by my own pain and suffering that I don't care about anything else
This life is killing me
My existence is slowly draining the life out of me
My feelings inside I can't explain
I am overwhelmed by emotions that I cannot put into words
I'm awake, but not for long
I am temporarily able to keep my eyes open, but my spirit is fading fast
The hope is still not gone
Despite everything, I still have a glimmer of optimism
Somewhere behind the clouds
Even though things seem bleak right now, I know that there is a brighter future waiting for me
I'll set you free if you follow me
If you trust me and come with me, I promise to liberate you from your own troubles
Reach out touch the hand of God
If we work together, we can transcend our human limitations and approach the divine
I gave you the story of my life
I opened up to you and shared my deepest secrets and vulnerabilities
Some of my precious time
I invested a significant portion of my limited lifespan in our relationship
But I'm tired of this
However, I am now exhausted and drained from the emotional burden of our interactions
With every promise of eternal light
Even though I desperately cling to the hope of a brighter future, each time it is promised to me, it just fades away
Another feeling dies
Every time my hopes are dashed, another part of me withers and fades away
(Reach out touch the hand of God)
Repeating the earlier exhortation to reach out and transcend our earthly limitations
I'll set you free if you follow me
Reiterating the earlier promise to alleviate the other person's suffering
Reach out touch the hand of God
Repeating the final exhortation to strive for transcendence
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Anders Friden, Bjorn Gelotte
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind