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.
im_the_highway
In Flames Lyrics
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Something I can't ever neglect,
Rise above these ashes,
Before they fade away
In dark moments, I know better,
Within destruction, I see clearly
From here to new grounds,
Suppose I will do it alone,
Will fight for that design,
Feel this up your conviction
Staring into truth,
I am, the way,
Existence careful made,
In all your everlasting complications
In dark moments,I know better
Within destruction, I see clearly
[Chorus]
Forget the promised land,
There was never an invitation,
Today I create my own,
Before there was sorrow and lack of attention
[Chorus]
The lyrics to In Flames's song "I'm the Highway" explore themes of self-discovery and self-acceptance through acknowledging and confronting one's deepest fears and shadows. The opening line "I am my deepest shadow" sets the tone for the rest of the song, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and the imperative need to rise above the challenges that hold one back. The phrase "something I can't ever neglect" suggests that ignoring one's shadows will only lead to negative consequences and a lack of growth.
Throughout the song, the singer acknowledges the "dark moments" and "destruction" that they have experienced, but also recognizes that these moments have led to greater clarity and understanding. The chorus, which repeats twice throughout the song, emphasizes the singer's determination to move forward and create their own path, even if it means doing it alone. The line "staring into truth" suggests a willingness to face reality and the complications that come with it, rather than ignoring them.
In the final verse, the lyrics turn more towards a rejection of societal expectations and pressures. The singer proclaims that they will "create [their] own" promised land, rejecting the notion that success or happiness can only come from external sources. The overall message of the song seems to be a call to embrace one's own unique journey, no matter how difficult or uncertain it may seem.
Line by Line Meaning
I am my deepest shadow,
I am aware of my darkest thoughts and inner struggles.
Something I can't ever neglect,
I cannot ignore or deny my innermost demons.
Rise above these ashes,
Overcome the destruction and pain caused by my past.
Before they fade away
Before the pain and destruction of my past disappear and become forgotten.
In dark moments, I know better,
During difficult times, I gain insight and understanding.
Within destruction, I see clearly
Amidst chaos and destruction, I find clarity and understanding.
From here to new grounds,
Moving forward towards new opportunities and experiences.
Suppose I will do it alone,
Accepting the journey ahead as a solo venture.
Will fight for that design,
Determined to work towards my goals and aspirations.
Feel this up your conviction
Believe strongly in your beliefs and desires.
Staring into truth,
Facing the realities of life and accepting them.
I am, the way,
I am the one in control of my own path and decisions.
Existence careful made,
Life is carefully crafted and planned.
In all your everlasting complications
Despite the complexities and challenges of life, there is always a path forward.
Forget the promised land,
No longer focused on achieving a perfect future or ideal life.
There was never an invitation,
No one else can dictate or plan my life.
Today I create my own,
Taking control of my own destiny and forging my own path.
Before there was sorrow and lack of attention
Acknowledging past pain and discomfort, and using it to drive forward towards a brighter future.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Anders Friden, Bjorn Gelotte, Jesper Stromblad
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind