The band's 70s-styled retro-rock, mixed with experimental sounds draws on influences like Black Sabbath, Deep Purple and Rainbow as well as bands like Mike Oldfield, Yes, King Crimson and The Mahavishnu Orchestra.
What If
Mammoth Volume Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Enlightened at last?
What if I with a clueless front and a cryptic wink
Now what if I?
This was a dream I had
Was made to burn them sleeping in their beds
His back was turned my way
Our eyes connected anyway
"Burn them alive", 'cause they were not yet dead
He emptied out his wine
Can you believe it, I held on to my
It just might be the one way
I'm ever going to learn
There's no two ways about it
I'm going, I'm gonna learn
What if I announced to the world
My intentions to outlive everyone? [Draw a cube]
Who has been lying to himself
Now what if I did this and that and the other?
Remember what I said
About the angel with the backward head
He wasn't just a lie
One without a second had a third drop by
It's downright damned and evil
You know it, you know it too
It's downright torn to pieces
You know it, you know it too
The lyrics of Mammoth Volume's song "What If" portray a sense of uncertainty and questioning by the singer. The first verse presents two different scenarios, one where the singer is enlightened and the other where they are clueless. The dream mentioned in the chorus is vague but implies some sort of violent action, as the angel behind the singer instructs them to burn others alive. However, the singer hesitates and does not follow through, even while the others are not yet dead. This can be interpreted as a moment of moral questioning and introspection.
In the second verse, the singer contemplates their own mortality and declares their intentions to outlive everyone else. They question who has been lying to themselves, possibly implying that they have been in the past. The same angel with the backward head is mentioned again, this time with the addition of a third being. The final lines of the song, "It's downright damned and evil / You know it, you know it too / It's downright torn to pieces / You know it, you know it too" provide no resolution and leave the listener with a sense of unease.
Overall, the lyrics of "What If" present a journey of self-discovery and questioning. The singer grapples with morality, mortality, and their own sense of purpose. The dream sequence with the angel and the violent imagery add an extra layer to the uncertainty and questioning presented in the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
What if I in a raving haze and a turn of the cards
What if I, in a state of madness and chance, have finally gained enlightenment?
Enlightened at last?
Have I finally achieved understanding?
What if I with a clueless front and a cryptic wink
What if I pretend not to know, while subtly hinting at something deeper?
Now what if I?
What if I take things even further?
This was a dream I had
The events that follow may be fantastical or symbolic in nature.
Was made to burn them sleeping in their beds
The dream involved some sort of destruction or change affecting those who were unaware, asleep or complacent.
His back was turned my way
Someone important was not paying attention to me.
Our eyes connected anyway
Despite this, a meaningful connection was made.
Angel behind me said: "Burn them alive", 'cause they were not yet dead
A supernatural figure encouraged me to destroy those who were still alive and unaware.
He emptied out his wine
The person who was not paying attention had finished their drink, indicating a time of change or decision.
Can you believe it, I held on to my
In contrast, I remained steadfast in my beliefs or actions.
It just might be the one way
This may be the only way for me to truly understand or grow.
I'm ever going to learn
I must continue to seek knowledge or experience to better myself.
There's no two ways about it
There is only one path or truth to follow.
I'm going, I'm gonna learn
I am determined to pursue this path of growth and understanding.
What if I announced to the world my intentions to outlive everyone?
What if I declare my ambition to surpass others in longevity or success?
Who has been lying to himself
Who has been in denial or deceived themselves about their true nature or motives?
Now what if I did this and that and the other?
What if I take further actions or make bold choices to further my goals?
Remember what I said
Recall a previous statement or warning.
About the angel with the backward head
The supernatural figure mentioned earlier was not what they seemed; their appearance was twisted or wrong.
He wasn't just a lie
The warning was not a falsehood, but instead had truth to it.
One without a second had a third drop by
Something unexpected or unexplainable occurred, possibly involving a third party.
It's downright damned and evil
The situation or events that have transpired are deeply wrong or malevolent.
You know it, you know it too
The artist is emphasizing that the listener knows the truth of the situation.
It's downright torn to pieces
The situation is in a state of chaos, confusion, or ruin.
You know it, you know it too
The singer is reiterating that the listener is aware of the situation's true nature.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHN JOSEPH CAPEK, DANIEL GRAFTON HILL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind