Knott's music has not been without controversy in Christian circles, particularly due to profanity in the song "Rocket and a Bomb" (from the self-titled release of his former band Aunt Bettys) and original artwork in that album of Jesus Christ as a bartender.
Knott explained some of his views in an interview with HM Magazine, saying "Basically, I'm a human being and I believe in Christ, period. It doesn't make my life rosy, it doesn't make my life terrible, it doesn't do anything with that. I know Christ."
Michael Knott is also the founder of the now defunct independent record label, Blonde Vinyl Records.
http://www.michaelknott.com/
Miles From Shame
Michael Knott Lyrics
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Miles from Shame
Miles from Shame
Miles From Shame
Have a little more of the greasy pig
Have a little more of the drunken binge
Miles from shame
From the spoil of the fatted squid
To the breathing of the lung is singed
From the bellow of a merchant in mire
Comes a cry for the leeward side
Have a little more of the drunken binge
Have a little more of the greasy pig
Keep the swine in the stomach side
Keep the sips in the one who slips
The song "Miles From Shame" by Michael Knott delves deep into the theme of indulgence and the consequences that follow. The phrase "Miles From Shame" is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the idea of being completely disassociated from any form of guilt or remorse for one's actions. The first verse of the song talks about indulging in more of the "greasy pig" and the "drunken binge", which could refer to excessive eating and drinking or more metaphorically, the desire for instant gratification.
The second verse mentions the "spoil of the fatted squid" which could symbolize the result of going after something desirable or attractive that ultimately leads to negative consequences, like being too full or unfulfilled. The line "Keep the swine in the stomach side, keep the sips in the one who slips" points towards a sense of wanting to keep the indulgence hidden or contained, as if to avoid being caught or having one's true intentions exposed.
Overall, the lyrics of "Miles From Shame" portray a picture of someone who is deeply entrenched in their own pleasure-seeking desires, with no regard for the consequences of their actions, and who is actively trying to keep their indulgent behavior hidden from the outside world.
Line by Line Meaning
Miles from Shame
The singer repeats the title to emphasize that they are seeking distance from the feeling of shame.
Miles from Shame
The singer repeats the title to continue emphasizing their desire to be far from shame.
Miles from Shame
The singer again repeats the title to further emphasize their desire to be removed from shame.
Miles From Shame
The artist concludes the song by repeating the title one last time to reinforce their longing to be free from shame.
Have a little more of the greasy pig
The artist suggests indulging in unhealthy and undesired habits, like eating greasy food, as a means of temporary pleasure.
Have a little more of the drunken binge
The singer advises drinking to excess as a way of achieving a temporary escape from the feeling of shame.
Feel good, feel good...
The singer repeats the phrase to express the desire to feel pleasure despite any potential consequences from their actions.
Miles from shame
The artist repeats the title once again to remind themselves of their ultimate goal of escape from shame.
From the spoil of the fatted squid
The artist references the luxurious indulgence of a fatty squid, yet recognizes that this temporary pleasure will inevitably run out.
To the breathing of the lung is singed
The artist acknowledges that the temporary pleasure of indulging in unhealthy habits can lead to harmful consequences, such as lung damage.
From the bellow of a merchant in mire
The singer references a desperate merchant calling out from a swampy mire, suggesting that indulging in these unhealthy habits leads to feelings of desperation and a loss of control.
Comes a cry for the leeward side
The artist calls for a way out or a change of direction, recognizing that the pursuit of temporary pleasures will only lead to further desperation and shame.
Keep the swine in the stomach side
The singer advises resisting temptation and keeping unhealthy indulgences contained for the sake of one's physical health.
Keep the sips in the one who slips
The singer advises limiting alcohol consumption to those who can handle it without slipping into harmful behaviors or shameful situations.
Contributed by Nathaniel T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.