Life of Agony is an alternative metal band from Brooklyn, NY formed in 1989… Read Full Bio ↴Life of Agony is an alternative metal band from Brooklyn, NY formed in 1989. The lineup initially comprised vocalist Mina Caputo and her cousin Joey Z on guitar, and long-time friend Alan Robert on bass. Type O Negative's drummer Sal Abruscato was hired to record albums 'River Runs Red' and 'Ugly' on drums. He re-joined the band when they reformed in 2003.

After releasing two albums with this line-up, Sal left due to musical differences, and recruited a drummer for the recording/touring of 'Soul Searching Sun.' Caputo felt that the band's original spirit had left the band, and decided to quit in 1997. After a tour with replacement vocalist Whitfield Crane, the singer from Ugly Kid Joe, the band officially disbanded in 1999.

In 2003, the band reunited with their original line-up and played two sold-out shows before their home-town crowd, receiving great reception. This eventually led to a new studio album in 2005, namely 'Broken Valley'. Caputo came out as transgender in 2011. The band broke up again in 2012.

In 2014 the original 'River Runs Red' line-up returned to stage for several gigs. Their latest album A Place Where There's No More Pain was released in 2017. An upcoming album 'The Sound of Scars' is set to be released in 2019.

Words And Music
Life of Agony Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Is there something wrong with me?
Ripping through the walls
Tearing at the doors of education
Not that it's my fault
I just can't help but sort
Through the pieces
Secluded from the whore
I focus at the board-I'm out of focus

[CHORUS]
There must be a way
There's got to be a way to overcome this
It's these words and music
That keeps me living, keeps me breathing

It may not be much
But this is all I got
And I'm smiling
It all seems so pointless
The hours seem so endless
And for what?
I'd rather be working
Breaking my back doing something

[CHORUS]
At least I have my brothers, my band and my lover
What more could I need?

I buried my friend the other day
And I saw my life in a different way
It was a cold afternoon for a funeral
I did not shed a tear as I watched the snow fall
Is there something wrong with me?
When did I become this empty?
As I gazed down at his grave

I knew that someday I'd end up
That way!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Words And Music" by Life of Agony describe the struggle of the singer to find purpose and meaning in life. They feel disconnected from the education system and society in general, and turn to music and lyrics as a means of expression and survival. Despite the seeming emptiness of their existence, the singer finds solace in the companionship of their bandmates, their lover, and the music they make together. However, the recent death of a friend has left them questioning the direction and value of their life.

The first stanza of the song portrays the feeling of disconnection and difficulty focusing on education. The singer seems to feel isolated and misunderstood by society, as they are "Secluded from the whore", or perhaps excluded from more mainstream opportunities. They feel that they are missing something important, but cannot quite put their finger on it. The second stanza finds the singer turning to music as a form of release and comfort. They acknowledge that it may not be a grand purpose or career, but for now, it is all they have.

The chorus of the song expresses the importance of music to the singer's life, as it keeps them alive and gives them a sense of purpose. However, the final stanza brings to light the existential crisis that the singer is facing. The death of their friend has left them wondering if there is more to life than just music and temporary happiness. They question why they feel so empty inside, and whether this is a sign of something wrong with them.

Overall, "Words And Music" is a song about the struggle to find meaning and purpose in a world that can often feel pointless and empty. The singer turns to music and their loved ones as a source of comfort and meaning, but ultimately must face the reality of mortality and their own existential questions.

Line by Line Meaning

Ripping through the walls
Overcoming obstacles

Tearing at the doors of education
Trying to learn despite challenges

Not that it's my fault
Acknowledging that it's not a personal failing

I just can't help but sort
Compelled to understand

Through the pieces
Through the confusion

Secluded from the whore
Avoiding negative influences

I focus at the board - I'm out of focus
Trying to pay attention despite difficulty focusing

There must be a way
Believing in finding a solution

There's got to be a way to overcome this
Determined to overcome the problem

It's these words and music
Lyrics and tunes provide comfort and meaning

That keeps me living, keeps me breathing
The power of music to give life meaning

It may not be much
Acknowledging the limitations of life

But this is all I got
Finding contentment and purpose in what one has

And I'm smiling
Optimistic despite challenges

It all seems so pointless
Questioning the value of life

The hours seem so endless
The drag of mundane existence

And for what?
Questioning the purpose of life

I'd rather be working
Preferring the fulfillment of hard work

Breaking my back doing something
Finding meaning in hard work

At least I have my brothers, my band and my lover
Finding support and happiness in loved ones

What more could I need?
Finding contentment in one's current situation

I buried my friend the other day
A life-changing event occurred

And I saw my life in a different way
The event altered the perspective on life

It was a cold afternoon for a funeral
The weather set a melancholy mood

I did not shed a tear as I watched the snow fall
Suppressing emotions during a tough time

Is there something wrong with me?
Questioning one's emotional reaction

When did I become this empty?
The event left a lasting emotional impact

As I gazed down at his grave
Reflecting on the friend's life

I knew someday I'd end up
Realizing the same fate awaits us all

This way!
Accepting the inevitability of death

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALAN ROBERT, JOEY ZAMPELLA, KEITH CAPUTO, SAL ABRUSCATO

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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