"In those days the scene was different, not better, just different," says Coyle. "There werent as many labels or bands doing what we were doing or saying the things we were saying. You could reach more people it seemed because the idea of putting out your own music seemed like something only a few people knew how to do".
Outspoken instantly found comraderie with bands such as Inside Out, Insted, Judge and Chain of Strength. The band continued writing songs with Dan Adair leaving the band, and Jae Hansel (Mean Season taking over for him on bass. Wanting to increase the power of their sound, they also added Travis Guichard (also from Mean Season). Shortly after that Outspoken went into For the Record Studios in Orange, CA. to record the CD that for many, would come to define the mid-90s hardcore sound.
The band decided to call it quits in 1994, playing a sold out show with a bunch of up and coming hardcore bands at the Ice House in Fullerton.
Shadow
Outspoken Lyrics
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The lyrics to Outspoken's song Shadow delve into the theme of shadow self and the inner struggles that come with it. The shadow self refers to the aspects of ourselves that we keep hidden or suppressed, which often manifest as negative emotions or behaviors. The song portrays the shadow self as a powerful force that controls and influences our thoughts and actions.
The opening line, "I am your shadow, I am the birth of all your suffering," sets the tone for the rest of the song. The shadow is portrayed as the root cause of all pain and anguish, an entity that relentlessly haunts and torments the listener. The lines "I control all that you believe," and "Your feelings are my playground," emphasize the shadow's control over the subconscious mind and the havoc it can wreak.
The chorus repeats the lines "Suffer shame. Suffer guilt. I am shame. I am guilt," highlighting the feelings of shame and guilt that are often associated with the shadow self. The shadow is personified as a malevolent entity that feeds on these emotions, and the listener is urged to confront and overcome them.
Overall, the lyrics of Shadow paint a bleak picture of the inner turmoil and struggles that can arise from the shadow self. It serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the importance of acknowledging and integrating our shadow selves rather than repressing them.
Line by Line Meaning
I am your shadow, I am the birth of all your suffering.
The singer personifies the dark side of the listener's mind and acknowledges that they are the root of all their troubles.
You will never defeat me.
The singer asserts their dominance over the listener by saying that they are invincible.
For I am nothing.
The singer ironically declares that they are nothing, despite being the source of the listener's pain.
Shame. Can you evade me.
The artist asks if the listener can escape their feelings of shame, which the artist personifies.
Guilt. When you create me.
The artist points out that the listener is responsible for creating their own guilt, which the artist personifies.
No. I am your shadow.
The singer denies the listener's attempts to disown their darker side and claims they are inseparable.
I control all that you believe.
The singer asserts their influence over the listener by stating that they dictate their thoughts and beliefs.
I am the thorn in the side of desire.
The artist refers to themselves as an obstacle or hindrance to the listener's wants and wishes.
Suffer with me.
The artist ominously suggests that the listener's pain is shared with them.
Your fight is worthless.
The artist implies that any effort to resist or overcome them is futile.
Suffocate as I take hold.
The singer describes how they overwhelm the listener's mind and suffocate them with their negative emotions.
I feel your weakness.
The artist claims to be aware of the listener's weaknesses and fragilities.
Suffer shame. Suffer guilt. I am shame. I am guilt.
The singer repeats their earlier assertions and emphasizes their connection to the listener's feelings of shame and guilt.
Are you right or wrong? I am your shadow.
The singer questions the listener's morals and convictions, and reiterates their link to their darker side.
Your feelings are my playground.
The singer implies that they enjoy and manipulate the listener's emotional landscape for their own gain.
I come alive to keep you down. I'm in control.
The artist asserts their purpose and power to maintain the listener's negativity.
Suffer shame. Suffer guilt. Suffer shame. I am shame. I am guilt.
The artist repeats their refrain, emphasizing their role in perpetuating the listener's suffering.
Contributed by Logan H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.