Although Phathom is no longer making music, their legacy lives on, and their music continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world. The band released three full-length albums - a self-titled debut in 2006, Zombie Love in 2007 and The New Piracy in 2011 - and three EPs, including Destroy the World Before Bedtime in 2002, The Halo Effect in 2003, and Tunnel Vision in 2007.
Phathom stayed true to their independent roots and believed in a DIY philosophy, never receiving major label support. They toured with popular acts such as Avenged Sevenfold, Strung Out, No Use For a Name, Unwritten Law, and Authority Zero, and participated in the Vans Warped Tour from 2006 to 2008. Even though the band members have moved on, their music remains a testament to their passion and talent.
The Loc
Phathom Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let me shake your hand
Be the first to say Im never coming back
Take down the smile for a while
Look at my denial
Holds my breath to say
Im never coming back
Youre setting me up
A mother in hand
Youre setting me up
My murder in hand
A steel plan
My murder in hand
It seems Im doing so swell
Let me shake my hand
Be the first to scream
Im never coming back
Youre setting me up
A mother in hand
Youre setting me up
My murder in hand
A steel plan
My murder in hand
The lyrics to Phathom's song The Loc seem to be describing a toxic relationship that is coming to an end. The first verse refers to the person in the relationship who is seemingly doing well, but is still convinced that they need to leave the other person for good. The lyrics "Let me shake your hand, Be the first to say I'm never coming back" indicate that the person is showing respect and ending the relationship on their own terms. They take a moment to recognize the other person's presence and acknowledge the good times they shared, but ultimately it's time to move on.
The second verse appears to be the other person's reaction to the breakup. They are in denial and trying to hold on, but deep down they know that it's over. The lyrics "Take down the smile for a while, Look at my denial, Holds my breath to say, I'm never coming back" suggest that the other person is struggling to accept the finality of the situation. The chorus "You're setting me up, A mother in hand, You're setting me up, My murder in hand, A steel plan, My murder in hand" could be interpreted as either the person in the relationship feeling betrayed and hurt by the other person, or the other person feeling like the breakup is causing them harm and pain.
Overall, The Loc is a song that captures the complexities and emotions of a relationship ending. The lyrics are open to interpretation, but the sense of loss and finality is clear in the words and tone of the music.
Line by Line Meaning
It seems youre doing so well
It appears that you are succeeding in life.
Let me shake your hand
I'll extend my hand as a gesture of respect.
Be the first to say Im never coming back
I'm making it clear that I won't return.
Take down the smile for a while
Stop pretending to be happy for a moment.
Look at my denial
I can't face my own refusal to accept reality.
Holds my breath to say
I'm struggling to find the courage to speak.
Im never coming back
I'm not returning to this situation.
Youre setting me up
You're placing me in a dangerous position.
A mother in hand
I'm carrying something precious that I might lose.
My murder in hand
I have the tools of my own destruction.
A steel plan
I have a detailed scheme for achieving my goal.
It seems Im doing so swell
I appear to be achieving success.
Let me shake my hand
I'll congratulate myself for my accomplishments.
Be the first to scream
I'll be the first to express my anger and pain.
Im never coming back
I'm leaving this behind for good.
Contributed by Sarah E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.