Band members included:
James Martin (guitars/vocals)
Octavio Olaje (vocals)
Tom Shelden (bass/vocals)
Mike Armenta (drums/vocals)
As was typical of traditional hardcore punk, early Malignus Youth songs featured fast tempos, 4/4 time, slow introductions followed by fast verse-chorus-verse, and lyrics with social relevance. However, as they developed their musical style, song tempos became even faster while maintaining impressive tightness and control. Shouted vocals (as per the punk tradition) developed into an elegant singing of unified harmonized melody. The traditional verse-chorus-verse structure was scrutinized and altered into even patterns, each with its own structure. Bass lines became more melodic and experimental. Guitar lines served to counterpoint the melodic basslines creating a musical point-counterpoint, perhaps at this point, unheard of in punk rock.
One feature that characterized later Malignus Youth was a rush of lyrics from Martin as Olaje sang in the background, which would be seamlessly "switched" so that Olaje sang in the foreground as Martin sang in the background. By taking turns on the lead lyrics, the impression would be created that a single singer was belting out ultra-fast lyrics without interruption.
Despite its relatively short existence, Malignus Youth is also noted by its unusually devoted fan base, even many years after their breakup.
One Way
Malignus Youth Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Near the shadow of death
Yeah you know what I mean
The media tells me everyday
Of a hundred ways that I could die
One way will be sufficient for me
Traditions of malignancy
From generation to generation
Since before, long before our time
Those who see and understand
What's going on writhe in pain
I am a lustful creature
Let me take you home
I just want to touch your body
Let me drag you down
I don't want to go
You can't make me
I can see your loneliness instills fright
I just want to touch your body
Stab you with my knife
I don't want to go
You can't make me
I walk in the light of God
Near the shadow of death
Ya you know what I mean
The media tells me everyday
Of a hundred ways that I could die
One way will be sufficient for me
The lyrics of Malignus Youth's song One Way are quite complex and could be interpreted in multiple ways. At first glance, it seems that the song is about the contrast between life and death, and how the media constantly bombards us with messages of our fragile mortality. However, the lyrics take a dark turn when the artist mentions the tradition of 'malignancy' that has been passed down from generation to generation, indicating a meditative on the darker tendencies of humanity.
The artist then goes on to talk about their lustful desires, indicating a hedonistic lifestyle that is not concerned with the consequences of their actions. The lyrics "let me drag you down" and "stab you with my knife" seem to indicate a disregard for human life and a desire for control.
Overall, the song may be interpreted as a commentary on the darker tendencies of human nature, our obsession with death, and the consequences of our actions. It highlights the bleak reality of society, the constant media messages of our mortality, and the darkness that lurks within each of us.
Line by Line Meaning
I walk in the light of God
I am a religious person and try to live by the teachings of God
Near the shadow of death
I am aware that death is always around the corner and can come at any time
Yeah you know what I mean
You can empathize with me and understand my perspective
The media tells me everyday
The news and other forms of media constantly remind me
Of a hundred ways that I could die
Of all the possible dangers and threats to my life
One way will be sufficient for me
I am not afraid of dying and one way to die is enough for me
It seems our nature to carry on
It appears to be inherent in human nature
Traditions of malignancy
To perpetuate and practice destructive or harmful behavior
From generation to generation
Passed down from ancestors to descendants over time
Since before, long before our time
This has been happening for a very long time, even before our existence
Those who see and understand
People who are aware and comprehend the situation
What's going on writhe in pain
Are tormented by the terrible situation
I am a lustful creature
I have strong sexual desires
Let me take you home
Come home with me
I just want to touch your body
I am sexually attracted to you and want to have physical contact
Let me drag you down
Let me lead you into a bad situation or lifestyle
I don't want to go
I do not want to do what you are suggesting or going along with what is expected of me
You can't make me
I will not be forced or coerced into doing something I do not want to do
I can see your loneliness instills fright
I can sense that your loneliness is causing you to feel afraid or anxious
I just want to touch your body
I am using your vulnerability to satisfy my desires
Stab you with my knife
I am willing to hurt or harm you
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, DistroKid, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: JARVIS E. COOPER, LAWRENCE MARTIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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So amazed for the big quality on every sense of this concert!