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
The Quicksand of Existing
Pallbearer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I test the ground before
Since I know
That each day
Uncovers ways to suffocate myself
I just might breathe my last
Before I've sunken down
Could mask the ground before
Hence, I know
That each night
Presents a chance to paralyze myself
When poison clouds the past
Before I've sunken down
I know I'm called
To sink below
By siren song, singing
"Let your struggle go
And fill your lungs
Up to the brim
Join in refrains
Of our viscous hymn"
As long as I'm alive
The darker days will always multiply
Ad nauseam, until I've sunken down
And down
Soon I'll be enveloped by the ground
Upon my presence here
Alight a quicksand shroud
When I've sunken down
The song "The Quicksand of Existing" by Pallbearer is a melancholic and introspective piece that explores the theme of sinking into the depths of depression and anxiety. In the first verse, the singer is cautious of every step he takes, as he knows that every day brings new challenges to his mental state. He fears that he might suffocate himself before he has a chance to confront his inner demons. In the second verse, the singer acknowledges that his perception of reality is clouded, which makes it hard for him to discern the ground beneath him. He is plagued by memories of the past that poison his present and prevent him from moving forward.
The chorus introduces the metaphor of sinking into a quicksand, which is a vivid image of being trapped and unable to escape. The singer feels called to surrender to his struggles and let himself sink deeper into the darkness. The siren song of depression beckons him to join in its viscous hymn, promising release from the pain, but he resists its call. In the final verse, the singer admits that he is not immune to the relentless onslaught of the negative thoughts that threaten to overwhelm him. He knows that as long as he is alive, the darker days will always multiply until he is enveloped by the ground and consumed by the quicksand shroud.
The lyrics of this song are poignant and touching, as they speak to the struggles of people who suffer from depression and anxiety. The metaphor of sinking in the quicksand is a powerful one, as it conveys the sense of being trapped and unable to break free from the cycle of negative thoughts. The song's slow tempo and heavy guitar riffs add to the eerie mood, creating a somber and contemplative atmosphere.
Line by Line Meaning
With every step I take
I'm cautious about where I step, knowing that danger might be lurking
I test the ground before
I'm being careful, making sure that I'm not walking into a trap
Since I know
I'm aware of the dangers around me
That each day
I know that every day comes with its own challenges
Uncovers ways to suffocate myself
I know that my actions can lead to my own downfall
I just might breathe my last
I understand that my actions have consequences, which could even be fatal
Before I've sunken down
I know that I'm in danger, but I'm trying to stay afloat
My uncertain sight
My lack of clarity about the future has made me unsure of my surroundings
Could mask the ground before
I might not be able to see the danger ahead of me, even if I'm careful
Hence, I know
Therefore, I understand
That each night
Every night brings its own risks and challenges
Presents a chance to paralyze myself
I need to be careful not to make mistakes that could have fatal consequences
When poison clouds the past
My past mistakes might come back to haunt me
Before I've sunken down
I'm aware that my mistakes could lead to my downfall
I know I'm called
I'm being tempted
To sink below
To give in to my own weaknesses and failings
By siren song, singing
By tempting voices
"Let your struggle go
Stop fighting against your own flaws and weaknesses
And fill your lungs
Breathe deep
Up to the brim
Take in all that life has to offer, regardless of the risks
Join in refrains
Become a part of the collective temptation
Of our viscous hymn"
Of our sinister and tempting song
As long as I'm alive
As long as I'm still here
The darker days will always multiply
My problems will keep getting worse
Ad nauseam, until I've sunken down
Until I've reached my lowest point
And down
Even lower
Soon I'll be enveloped by the ground
I'll be swallowed up by my own failures
Upon my presence here
As long as I exist
Alight a quicksand shroud
I'll be trapped and suffocated by my own mistakes
When I've sunken down
When I've reached my lowest point
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Brett Campbell, Devin Holt, Joseph Rowland, Mark Lierly
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Del Boy
Don't you just hate it when people won't grow with the band? Epic new track Pallbearer, can't wait for the new album 🔥
Aaron
Growth is upward, this not upward.
SEA BASS
I’m indifferent about it no hate, Pallbearer ♥️
Count Doomiest
I dig it. Some of you should hold off on judgment till you hear the entire album. I think it's great to hear them expand their sound. Some really good guitar in this one too.
Aaron
This isn't expansion. This is conformity.
Victor Ruiz
This guys know how to do good music.
Sax
So happy to get more Pallbearer! I love it so far, keep it up.
Forgemaster Metal Reviews
Awesome video. Really excited for this album. The mixes are growing on me. The ending of this song is devastating.
Gerard Hirt
These mixes sound like they are going to crush Live.. listen to the end ...live that part will absolutely CRUSH
MrG75
Great song, should have been longer