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.
Sounds of a Playground Fading
In Flames Lyrics
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The message is in the silence
Whisper words to calm your mind
Reach inside another playing come-around
It answers
We are ghosts of the concrete world
Genetic codes of a dying breed
Sounds of a playground fading
Staring into bright lights
I am what I've done
It is useless to hide
An empty chamber
Guess I was part of a plan
We are ghosts of the concrete world
Genetic codes of a dying breed
Will I be left behind
Sounds of a playground fading
We're running out of time
Can't seem to recognize
What put us here in the first place
Counting down the days, beginning of the end
We are ghosts of the concrete world
Genetic codes of a dying breed
Will I be left behind
Sounds of a playground fading
The lyrics to In Flames's song "Sounds of a Playground Fading" depict a sense of anxiety and uncertainty towards the future. The opening lines, "You can find all you need, the message is in the silence," suggest that the answers to our questions lie within ourselves and that we need to listen to our inner voices to find them. The subsequent lines, "Whisper words to calm your mind, reach inside another playing come-around, it answers," suggest that by reflecting on our past experiences, we can find the answers we seek.
The chorus, "We are ghosts of the concrete world, genetic codes of a dying breed, will I be left behind, sounds of a playground fading," further emphasizes the sense of urgency and unease. The mention of "ghosts of the concrete world" illustrates a feeling of being lost and insignificant in a world dominated by technology and materialism. The line "genetic codes of a dying breed" refers to the idea that humanity is becoming obsolete and that we may be replaced by something else. The phrase "sounds of a playground fading" is a metaphor for the way in which the world is changing and how we are struggling to keep up.
The final verse, "We're running out of time, can't seem to recognize what put us here in the first place, counting down the days, beginning of the end," suggests that time is running out for us and that we are struggling to understand our purpose. The reference to the "beginning of the end" implies that we are approaching a pivotal moment in our history.
Line by Line Meaning
You can find all you need
Everything that you require to make sense of your existence already exists within you.
The message is in the silence
True wisdom and clarity can only be attained through finding peace and tranquility in silence.
Whisper words to calm your mind
Bring yourself to a peaceful state by softly and gently speaking to yourself.
Reach inside another playing come-around
Find solace by looking within yourself and your experiences to find a sense of belonging and purpose.
It answers
You will find what you seek if you look deep enough within yourself.
We are ghosts of the concrete world
We are all shaped and influenced by the materialistic, concrete world in which we live.
Genetic codes of a dying breed
The traits and characteristics that make us human are fading away with the passage of time.
Will I be left behind
Am I going to be forgotten or overlooked as the world changes and progresses?
Sounds of a playground fading
Just like the sounds of a playground fading into the background, our past memories and experiences become fainter as we move forward in life.
Staring into bright lights
Looking straight into the glaring truth of the world and confronting it head-on.
I am what I've done
Our actions define us and determine our place in the world.
It is useless to hide
Attempting to hide our true selves is pointless and only prolongs our journey toward self-discovery.
An empty chamber
An empty shell of a person who has lost their true self or sense of purpose.
Guess I was part of a plan
Perhaps my existence and experiences were predetermined by a higher power, and I am simply playing my part in the grand scheme of things.
We're running out of time
We must strive to find our true selves and purpose before it is too late.
Can't seem to recognize
We are lost and unable to see the truth in front of us.
What put us here in the first place
The reason for our existence and our purpose in this world is a mystery that we must unravel.
Counting down the days, beginning of the end
Time is running out, and we are rapidly approaching the end of our journey.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Anders Friden, Bjorn Gelotte
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Randy
I love In Flames, old or new. Seeing them live last year was absolutely perfect and hope to see them perform again.
Prophet1217
This era of In Flames gets a lot of hate, and while I’m not the biggest fan of this album I still love this song. Ultimately it’s not up to us to tell them how to make music. I view it as like Opeth when they stopped making Progressive Death Metal, they stopped because they did everything they could within the genre. Also other reasons but those you can look up yourself. This is my favorite song of In Flames regardless of genre, or in comparison to their older work. It’s hauntingly beautiful, pure atmosphere, not to long or short. This was my first In Flames song, it’s what made me love the band, it made me listen to their entire discography.
From A Great Height
there's nothing wrong with this album. It's just as strong as any preceding album. Can't say the same for following albums.
IntoDebauchery
I saw this concert live. It was awsome! One of the best moments in my life:)
Harrysound
I dn't think they changed that much. I remember hearing these guys back in 1994...they sounded rough but promising then. I like this style too, us old people like a bit of melody with our heaviness.
The Silent Crow
Gosh damn... still after all these years in flames is still my favorite band.
Caja Gress
No other heavy band embodies the 2000s like In Flames. Stumbled upon them in my favorite record/,tape shop in 2005.
Well, maybe Mudvayne also....
BASICK RECORDS
Massive fan of this - new or old, In Flames are fantastic.
Dante Barradas
In Flames grandes como siempre esperando su nuevo álbum.
Jordi R
In Flames have evolved over the years to his own style of music, and that's so great!