The band adopted several names before deciding on “Nihils”, which describes a “non belief” in any rules that apply to music. The music which has a warm, dynamic and rich feel to it, hovers somewhere within the Indie/Pop/Alternative genre but varies from song to song. The band had their first local gig in 2007 and continued performing regularly from then on including shows in the UK and Germany. In 2011 the band had their first chart success with their single "Set my sail" which entered the Austrian single charts at # 14. Nihils are currently working on their second album.
Not a Man of Violence
Nihils Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In open water
Know the sharks coming
Heart is beating faster
Hear my words ring
Out into silence
What choice do I have
I'm not a man of violence
I can't can't kill it
I can't can't kill it
I'm not a man of violence
I can't can't kill it
I can't can't kill it
I'm not a man of violence
When the waves break
Pull me under
A moment's calm in a
In a far away thunder
Gasping for air
In defiance
But choice do I have
I'm not a man of violence
I'm not a man of violence
I can't can't kill it
I can't can't kill it
I'm not a man of violence
I can't can't kill it
I can't can't kill it
I'm not a man of violence
I'm not a man of violence
I'm not a man of violence
There's an island
On the horizon
A beacon of hope
A chance at surviving
The closer I get
The stronger I feel
Those beaches of gold
They just might be real
I'm not a man of violence
I can't can't kill it
I can't can't kill it
I'm not a man of violence
I can't can't kill it
I can't can't kill it
I'm not a man of violence
I can't can't kill it
I can't can't kill it
I'm not a man of violence
I can't can't kill it
I can't can't kill it
I'm not a man of violence
I'm not a man of violence
I'm not a man of violence
The End
The song "Not a Man of Violence" by NIHILS is about a person who finds themselves in a difficult situation. The opening line "Cut my finger in open water" sets the tone for the rest of the song. It implies that the singer is in a vulnerable position, and the danger is surrounding them. They then mention sharks, which creates a sense of fear and tension. The singer's heart is beating faster, and they feel that they have no choice but to face the danger.
They then say "What choice do I have, I'm not a man of violence." This line shows that the singer is not a confrontational person and is not comfortable with violence. They are aware of their limitations and would rather avoid conflict. Even though they are in a difficult situation, they prefer a peaceful resolution.
The rest of the song describes the singer's struggle to survive and find refuge. They mention an island on the horizon, which symbolizes hope and the possibility of a better outcome. Overall, the song showcases the singer's resilience and their ability to find strength in their limitations.
Line by Line Meaning
Cut my finger
I have hurt myself in the midst of danger.
In open water
I am exposed and vulnerable in a vast and uncontrollable environment.
Know the sharks coming
I am aware of the imminent threat around me.
Heart is beating faster
I am scared and my body is reacting to the situation.
Hear my words ring
I am speaking out, but no one is listening.
Out into silence
My cries are unheard in the stillness of the surrounding.
What choice do I have
I have limited options in this dire circumstance.
I'm not a man of violence
I am not someone who is comfortable with or skilled in using aggression to solve problems.
I can't can't kill it
I am not capable of and refuse to take a life, even if it means survival.
When the waves break
As events become tumultuous and unpredictable.
Pull me under
I feel like I am being engulfed and overwhelmed by the situation.
A moment's calm in a
There is a brief pause in the midst of chaos.
In a far away thunder
A reminder of the danger still present in the distance.
Gasping for air
I am struggling to breathe and survive.
In defiance
I refuse to give up, even in the face of certain death.
But choice do I have
I am forced to act, even if it goes against my nature.
There's an island
There is a glimpse of hope and a chance for safety on the horizon.
On the horizon
A distant but visible goal to strive towards.
A beacon of hope
The island represents a symbol of a brighter future.
A chance at surviving
By reaching the island, I may have a chance to overcome the dangers I face.
The closer I get
As I make progress towards my goal.
The stronger I feel
I gain confidence and resilience as I approach safety.
Those beaches of gold
The potential for a better life and abundance on the island.
They just might be real
The hope for a better future is not just a mirage, but a possibility.
I'm not a man of violence
I stand by my principles of non-violence, regardless of the circumstances.
The End
The conclusion of the story.
Writer(s): Dominik Brunner, Florian Nothegger, Nikolaus Stössl, Paul Wallner, Ramon Riezouw, Thomas Lackner
Contributed by Harper S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.