Critical response
Reviews of Payable on Death varied and were generally negative. Truby's guitar style gained much attention and was considered more technical and somewhat heavier than that of Curiel's. Allmusic's Matt Collar considered it a "darker album than its predecessor" and found that "Truby unfortunately lacks some of the unexpected spark that Marcos brought to P.O.D. Fans of the band shouldn't find much to complain about here though, even if the overall sound doesn't stand out as distinctly from the nu-metal pack as Satellite did." Neil Drumming of Entertainment Weekly gave a largely scathing review of the album, stating, "On track after formulaic track, perfunctory verses rush into roaring refrains of compressed guitar arrrgh and charmless didacticism." This negativity was largely mirrored by reviews in Blender and Rolling Stone.
Commercial success
Having sold 106,000 copies in its first week, Payable on Death debuted at #9 on the Billboard Top 200 chart on the strength of the first single and music video for "Will You." The band filmed a video for the next single, "Change the World," but it was never shipped to MTV. However, it did air on the lesser known Fuse TV. The album's relatively poor sales compared to P.O.D.'s mammoth success, Satellite, have been partly attributed to a shakeup at Atlantic Records, leaving P.O.D. with no label support. Atlantic was sold to a private investor resulting in several thousand people, many of whom close to P.O.D., losing their jobs.
According to Soundscan, Payable on Death sold a little under 500,000 copies as of January 2006. However, it has shipped over 500,000 copies in the U.S.; therefore, Payable on Death was certified gold by the RIAA. Not until June 2004 did it pass the one-million sales mark. It has sold over 1,300,000 copies worldwide. It is credited as the last commercially successful album released by P.O.D.
Selah
P.O.D./Payable On Death Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where I stay hid lurk down the alleyways, you be stalking me
Behind back talkers, cowards be mock'n me
Try to make me talk, make me confess can't break a brotha down
When there's no fear of Death, So you can't stand the sight of me
Next to the conquering Lion, at His right I'll be
[Chorus]
Braced in your word, I say, I have no fear
Step up punks, get rushed, you can't touch me
Sheltered by Your blood, your sweat, your tears
I be all in your face, state my case even if you took me up,
There's another to take my place you waste,
Prisoner to your pride you can never kill me off
I've got too much life on the inside, kill me, beat me, break my bones,
Already gave up my life, you'll never have my soul
Give credit to the on who paid for your crimes
Suffer for His name and I'll die for mines
[Chorus]
(Selah)
Identify your real master, Recognize and obey the sacrifice
Identify your real master, Recognize and obey the sacrifice
Identify your real master, Recognize and obey the sacrifice
Identify your real master, Recognize and obey the sacrifice
(Selah)
The song Selah by P.O.D./Payable On Death is about standing up to the wicked and those who try to oppress or break someone down. The lyrics speak to the idea that no matter what someone tries to do to you, they can never take away your spirit or soul. The opening lines, "Kick down the teeth of the wicked creep underground / Where I stay hid lurk down the alleyways, you be stalking me," suggest that the singer is being hunted or pursued by someone who wishes to do them harm. But, the singer is not afraid because they have a strong faith in a higher power. They are not alone, for "Next to the conquering Lion, at His right I'll be."
The chorus emphasizes this feeling of strength and invincibility. The singer tells their enemies to "step up punks" and get rushed, but they can't touch them because they are "sheltered by Your blood, your sweat, your tears." This is a reference to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which gives the singer strength and protection. They are not afraid to speak the truth and stand up for what they believe in, even if it means facing persecution. As the second verse states, "Already gave up my life, you'll never have my soul, / Give credit to the one who paid for your crimes / Suffer for His name and I'll die for mines."
The repeated refrain of "Selah" is a Hebrew word found in the book of Psalms, which means "pause and consider." It adds weight and gravity to the message of the song, urging listeners to really think about the lyrics and the message of having a strong faith and standing up to oppression. Overall, Selah is a powerful song that speaks to the resilience and strength one can find through faith.
Line by Line Meaning
Kick down the teeth of the wicked creep underground
I will confront and defeat the evil that hides and works secretly.
Where I stay hid lurk down the alleyways, you be stalking me
Evil tries to hide and stalk me, but I am always prepared and vigilant.
Behind back talkers, cowards be mock'n me
People who gossip and mock me are cowards without courage to face me.
Try to make me talk, make me confess can't break a brotha down
Those who try to make me speak or confess cannot break me because I am strong and fearless.
When there's no fear of Death, So you can't stand the sight of me
I do not fear death, and my enemies are afraid of me because of my courage and strength.
Next to the conquering Lion, at His right I'll be
I will stand next to the powerful Lion of Judah, who will help me overcome any challenges.
Step up punks, get rushed, you can't touch me
Those who challenge me will face defeat, and they cannot harm me.
Braced in your word, I say, I have no fear
I am confident in my faith, and I do not have any fear.
Sheltered by Your blood, your sweat, your tears
I am protected and redeemed by God's sacrifice through His blood, sweat, and tears.
I be all in your face, state my case even if you took me up,
I am not afraid to confront you and speak my truth, even if you threaten me.
There's another to take my place you waste,
Even if I am gone, someone else will stand up and continue the fight.
Prisoner to your pride you can never kill me off
Evil is trapped in its own pride and cannot defeat me.
I've got too much life on the inside, kill me, beat me, break my bones,
My spirit is too strong, and you cannot defeat me even if you physically harm me.
Already gave up my life, you'll never have my soul
I have surrendered myself to God and will never let evil have my soul.
Give credit to the on who paid for your crimes
Acknowledge and appreciate the ultimate sacrifice that freed us from sin.
Suffer for His name and I'll die for mines
I am willing to endure any pain and sacrifice for God and His purpose.
(Selah)
Pause and reflect on the message of this song.
Identify your real master, Recognize and obey the sacrifice
Acknowledge God as your true master and follow His will and the sacrifice He made for us.
Identify your real master, Recognize and obey the sacrifice
Acknowledge God as your true master and follow His will and the sacrifice He made for us.
Identify your real master, Recognize and obey the sacrifice
Acknowledge God as your true master and follow His will and the sacrifice He made for us.
Identify your real master, Recognize and obey the sacrifice
Acknowledge God as your true master and follow His will and the sacrifice He made for us.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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