Pallbearer released their debut album "Sorrow and Extinction" in February 2012 via Profound Lore Records to much critical acclaim.
The current line-up is:
Brett Campbell - vocals, guitar
Devin Holt - guitar
Joseph D. Rowland - bass
Mark Lierly - drums
Cruel Road
Pallbearer Lyrics
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It never ends
Tearing down
Every defense
It leaves me
Worthless
Wandering
From first breath
To final rest
I find the path always unwinds
My sunken hopes
Are buried deep
A revelation
Just beyond my reach
And thus
My journey's brought me home again
It's not what it used to be
Faded tracks recall my origins
And rekindle memories
Forsake that which
I worshipped then
A whole life in effigy
Set foot on the cruel road again
And pray this time will not leave me
Wordless
The constant sting
A future I will never know
Forgotten loves
Left bitter tastes
They died before a chance to grow
Those days alone
Fractured beliefs
Left tattered scraps
Of former peace
And thus
My journey's brought me home again
It's not what it used to be
Faded tracks recall my origins
And rekindle memories
Forsake that which
I worshipped then
A whole life in effigy
Set foot on the cruel road again
And pray this time will not leave me
Cannot
Let
The old times
Be my captor
The curse
Upon
My life
Must be shattered
Seize
Control
And slough
Away
The shackles
And tread
The world
Unbowed
Until my body collapses
On the cruel road
The lyrics of Pallbearer's song "Cruel Road" paint a poignant picture of a weary soul's journey through life's trials and tribulations on a seemingly endless, cruel road. The repetition of the phrase "Old cruel road" serves as a powerful motif throughout the song, symbolizing the harsh realities and challenges that the singer faces. The road is described as relentless, tearing down every defense and leaving them feeling worthless and lost. This imagery conveys a sense of hopelessness and struggle, as they navigate through life's obstacles.
The lyrics delve into the singer's inner turmoil and introspection as they reflect on their life's journey. The lines "My sunken hopes/ Are buried deep" and "Forgotten loves/ Left bitter tastes" evoke a sense of loss and longing, as they grapple with past disappointments and shattered dreams. The theme of lost opportunities and unfulfilled potential is palpable, as they confront their own vulnerabilities and uncertainties.
Despite the sense of despair and resignation, there is a glimmer of resilience and determination in the lyrics. The singer acknowledges their past mistakes and shortcomings, yet finds the strength to confront their inner demons and break free from the shackles of the past. The lines "Seize/ Control/ And slough/ Away/ The shackles" reflect a desire for self-liberation and empowerment, as they strive to reclaim agency over their own life and destiny.
The song culminates in a powerful declaration of defiance and perseverance, as the singer resolves to tread the world unbowed until their very last breath. The image of collapsing on the cruel road suggests a sense of acceptance and perseverance in the face of adversity, embodying the unwavering spirit of resilience and endurance in the face of life's challenges. Overall, "Cruel Road" captures the bittersweet essence of the human experience, with its themes of struggle, redemption, and unyielding hope amidst the trials and tribulations of existence.
Line by Line Meaning
Old cruel road
The path of hardship and suffering
It never ends
It seems to be continuous and unending
Tearing down
Destroying
Every defense
Any form of protection or resistance
It leaves me
Causes me to feel
Worthless
Lacking value or importance
Wandering
Traveling aimlessly
I've lost my way so many times
I've become lost numerous times
From first breath
Since the beginning of my life
To final rest
Until my death
I find the path always unwinds
The road always seems to lead me astray
My sunken hopes
My lost dreams
Are buried deep
Are deeply hidden or forgotten
A revelation
A profound realization
Just beyond my reach
Just out of my grasp
It's not what it used to be
It has changed from how it once was
Faded tracks recall my origins
Diminished signs remind me of where I started
And rekindle memories
And bring back past experiences
Forsake that which
Abandon what
I worshipped then
I admired in the past
A whole life in effigy
A representation of my entire existence
Set foot on the cruel road again
Start the journey of suffering once more
And pray this time will not leave me
And hope that this time won't result in abandonment
Wordless
Lacking words
The constant sting
The ongoing pain
A future I will never know
A destiny I will never understand
Forgotten loves
Lost relationships
Left bitter tastes
Left unpleasant memories
They died before a chance to grow
They ended before they could develop further
Those days alone
The moments of solitude
Fractured beliefs
Damaged convictions
Left tattered scraps
Left torn remnants
Of former peace
Of previous tranquility
Cannot
Unable to
Let
Allow
The old times
Past experiences
Be my captor
Imprison me
The curse
The bad fortune
Upon
On
My life
My existence
Must be shattered
Must be broken apart
Seize
Take hold of
Control
Dominance
And slough
And discard
Away
Far from
The shackles
The restraints
And tread
And step
The world
The universe
Unbowed
Without giving in
Until my body collapses
Until my physical form weakens
On the cruel road
Within the realm of hardship and adversity
Lyrics © SC PUBLISHING DBA SECRETLY CANADIAN PUB., BMG Rights Management
Written by: Brett Daniel Campbell, James Devin Holt, Joseph David Rowland, Mark Alan Lierly
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind