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.
System
In Flames Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I aim, I stumble and I fall
Our adaptation can't be faithful
Your world does not attract me
This is the end you see
There is no more truth in me
As if you would deserve it
I can't ignore the way you make me bleed
I hate when you throw my thoughts against the wall
Got to wake up and make a stand
The desperation forces another mistake
I count again
I know who to blame
My life in vain
Who said I was sane?
Follow your instinct
It usually takes you home
Don't let these words tear you down
You see me hanging
By the end of the rope
I tell you
Slow I go
And the wait seems to be over
All that I know
Is that my life has become such a waste for you
I blame and run, sadly all too often
I dive into the day without your sympathy
I tend to try but lack the focus
Becoming a distant memory
What once was is quickly forgotten
All wrapped up inside
Delete all resemblance
I feel your relief
Slow I go
And the wait seems to be over
All that I know
Is that my life has become such a waste for you
Follow your instinct
It usually takes you home
Don't let these words tear you down
You see me hanging
By the end of the rope
I tell you
Slow I go
And the wait seems to be over
All that I know
Is that my life has become such a waste for you
The lyrics in In Flames's song "System" are quite emotional and introspective, dealing with feelings of anger, disappointment, and disillusionment. The first few lines of the song set the tone, with the singer admitting that they cannot "frame" their thoughts and emotions, leading them to lose control. They feel aimless and stumble through their life, unable to find a sense of purpose or direction. The following lines suggest that the singer has been let down by someone they once trusted, someone whose "adaptation can't be faithful." This betrayal has left them feeling disconnected and uninterested in the world around them.
As the song progresses, the singer expresses their frustration and anger towards this person, referring to them as their "enemy." The repeated line "Slow I go, and the wait seems to be over" suggests that the singer is resigned to their fate and feels that their life has become a waste. Despite this, they urge the listener to "follow your instincts" and not let negative words bring them down.
Overall, "System" is a powerful and introspective song that touches on themes of betrayal, disillusionment, and the struggle to find purpose and meaning in life.
Line by Line Meaning
I cannot frame, that's why I lose control
I struggle to express myself, which leads to a loss of emotional control
I aim, I stumble and I fall
I strive for success, but often fail and make mistakes
Our adaptation can't be faithful
We cannot conform entirely to each other's expectations and desires
Your world does not attract me
I am not drawn to your way of life, beliefs, or values
This is the end you see
I have reached a point of no return, a final conclusion or outcome
There is no more truth in me
I have lost my authenticity, sincerity, and honesty
As if you would deserve it
You are not worthy or deserving of my respect or admiration
You are my enemy
You are against me, in opposition or competition
I can't ignore the way you make me bleed
Your actions or words hurt me deeply and cause emotional pain
I hate when you throw my thoughts against the wall
I resent when you reject, dismiss, or invalidate my ideas and opinions
Got to wake up and make a stand
I need to become aware, motivated, and committed to taking action
The desperation forces another mistake
My anxious and urgent state leads me to repeat past errors or create new ones
I count again
I review my situation or progress, often with disappointment or regret
I know who to blame
I hold myself accountable or responsible for my failures or shortcomings
My life in vain
I perceive my existence as meaningless, futile, or disappointing
Who said I was sane?
I question my own sanity or rationality, possibly due to mental illness or stress
Follow your instinct
Listen to your inner voice or intuition, as it often leads you to the right path
It usually takes you home
You will find comfort, safety, and happiness in your natural habitat or origin
Don't let these words tear you down
Do not allow negative comments, criticism, or insults to affect your self-esteem or confidence
You see me hanging
You witness me in a vulnerable or precarious position, possibly on the verge of suicide
By the end of the rope
At the limit of my abilities, resources, or patience, with no hope or solution in sight
Slow I go
I move at my own pace, without hurry or urgency, possibly due to lethargy or weariness
And the wait seems to be over
The anticipation, suspense, or delay is finally coming to an end, with an outcome or resolution imminent
All that I know
My understanding or knowledge of the situation, which may be limited or uncertain
Is that my life has become such a waste for you
You consider my existence as futile, worthless, or disappointing, possibly due to failed expectations or unfulfilled dreams
I blame and run, sadly all too often
I tend to avoid taking responsibility or facing the consequences of my actions or decisions, which is a recurring problem
I dive into the day without your sympathy
I start my day without seeking or receiving emotional support, understanding, or compassion from you
I tend to try but lack the focus
I attempt to achieve my goals or objectives, but struggle to stay concentrated or motivated, possibly due to distraction or boredom
Becoming a distant memory
Fading away from your thoughts or feelings, losing importance or significance, becoming less relevant or connected
What once was is quickly forgotten
Past experiences or relationships are easily erased or dismissed, with little or no sentimental value or impact
All wrapped up inside
My emotions or thoughts are bottled up, concealed, or suppressed, hidden from others and myself
Delete all resemblance
Erase or eliminate any similarities or connections between me and you or my previous life, possibly to create a new identity or start anew
I feel your relief
I sense your joy, satisfaction, or gratitude for my absence, departure, or failure, which hurts me and reinforces my feeling of worthlessness or abandonment
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JESPER CLAES HAAKAN STROEMBLAD, BJOERN INGVAR GELOTTE, ANDERS PAR FRIDEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Safet Neziri
The most underrated In Flames song
Aha80
Dead Alone**
Reezy Mobile
@Bbking amen
Bbking
Best last song for the end of a workout. Especially the last minute ...
dream games
I like this song,because IT IS THE BEST SONG EVER MADE
S1N9UL4R17Y
This song and Clayman were the first two songs I heard from In Flames 17 years ago, and they are still two of my favorite songs of theirs today.
Lee DeLuca
In Flames 🔥 we trust. Been listening for 13 years mow. This song def underrated
Adam Fowler
The outro of this track is one of their best ever.
Jon Farthing
True
Daniel Mann
I know fans consider this to be the album where it all started going downhill for In Flames, but this was the album that introduced me to them. While I do consider The Jester Race to be their overall best album, I still love this album...and this song in particular.