Both had drummed with Ministry, and were pleased with the notion of a rock music band with two drummers, rather than the usual one. The duo formed Pigface, and began a revolving-door collaboration with many experimentally-minded musicians, many of whom — especially early on — had recorded for the influential industrial music record label Wax Trax.
Trent Reznor was also an early partner, when, due to legal troubles, Nine Inch Nails were prevented from recording under that name. "Suck" — cowritten with and sung by Reznor — was something of an underground hit, and Reznor later rerecorded the song.
Rieflin eventually left Pigface, leaving Atkins in charge. The dozens--perhaps hundreds--of musical collaborators to record and perform with Pigface have ensured that each album, and each song, is unique. This practice has, however, led to some negative criticism due to a perceived lack of continuity.
Pigface concerts are characterized by high-energy performances. Frequently there will be upwards of 10 people on stage at any time during the show. Not only that but Martin Atkins and the rest of the band love interacting with the audience, and members of the audience are nearly always invited on stage for the encore.
Satellite
Pigface Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Kill the night
Bring the light for those who need to hide
When your glowing known he stills the cold
In psychic heat begin to fall apart
Commit some social suicide
You can run but never hide away
Kill the night!
Cross-sect the stratosphere
Kill the night!
Consciousness unconsciousness
Does this relieve the knotted breast
Bring the night!
Satellite!
Kill the night!
Sshh, you'll kill the night, hide the light
The lyrics of Pigface's song "Satellite" address the concept of light and darkness, and the impact of their presence or absence on life. The first verse speaks of "White lightning man" who is a symbol of light, and his ability to "kill the night" and "bring the light" to those who need to hide. This line suggests that light can be a refuge for those seeking protection from the darkness. Additionally, the line "In psychic heat begin to fall apart" implies that light can have a disorienting effect on people, especially when it is overwhelming or unexpected.
The chorus of the song repeats the line "Kill the night," which can be interpreted as a call to action to eliminate darkness, possibly from the perspective of those who fear it. The line "Arrogant boy, reduced to tears/Cross-sect the stratosphere" suggests that even those who are overconfident or powerful can be brought down by the forces of darkness. The line "Consciousness unconsciousness/Does this relieve the knotted breast" can be interpreted as a question about the effect of darkness on the mind and emotions - does it bring relief from anxiety or tension, or does it exacerbate it?
The last line of the song, "Sshh, you'll kill the night, hide the light," is perhaps the most significant. It suggests that there is a need for balance between light and darkness, and that too much light can be harmful. Darkness can provide a sense of safety and privacy, and should not be completely eradicated.
Line by Line Meaning
White lightning man
Referring to a powerful force or entity
Kill the night
Overcome darkness or negativity
Bring the light for those who need to hide
Provide comfort or aid for those in difficult situations
When your glowing known he stills the cold
Presence of a comforting or warming force
In psychic heat begin to fall apart
Emotional breakdown due to internal struggles
Commit some social suicide
Risk social standing or reputation for personal growth or change
You can run but never hide away
Cannot truly escape or ignore personal issues
Arrogant boy, reduced to tears
A proud or overconfident person experiencing emotional distress
Cross-sect the stratosphere
Overcome obstacles and reach great heights
Consciousness unconsciousness
Confusion or struggle between rational and emotional thoughts
Does this relieve the knotted breast
Will resolving inner struggles bring peace
Bring the night!
Embrace darkness or negativity
Satellite!
A symbol of observation or surveillance
Kill the night!
Overcome darkness or negativity
Sshh, you'll kill the night, hide the light
Be cautious with how you handle difficult situations or emotions
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Y, PAUL VINCENT RAVEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Bo Krogsgaard
So glad to see the legacy of Paul Raven lives on - cheers, whoever reads this.
dp1582
i got sucked into pigface bought (nearly) all their albums. They had a nifty way to putting just enough listenable stuff that was different on each one to keep me coming back to discover what direction they went in for each album. Never got to see them live :(
James Lewis
Never gets old
Drew M
"Arrogant boy, beat to tears, crosses the stratosphere..."
Reminds me of the essence of the film "Martyrs".
james davies
"Reduced to tears"
Drew M
@james davies 3:54 it says Beat to tears. Prior to that, it is reduced to tears. Thank you just the same my friend!
james davies
@Drew M Thanks man! I never new 🤟
Drew M
@james davies No worries at all. This is a rare moment for me and lyrics. I've went and looked up many songs that I've loved over the years. My version is usually very different from the real versions lol
Rack Ripper
Drums: till the Levee breaks
MikeydaShank
Been listening to Coil and Front 242 and I somehow ended up here.. no regrets