Originally formed as Pilate in 1999, the Toronto-based rock quartet changed… Read Full Bio ↴Originally formed as Pilate in 1999, the Toronto-based rock quartet changed their name to "Pilot Speed" in mid-2006, in order to avoid possible lawsuits as their music spread internationally from their native Canada. Pilate were born in 2000 after vocalist and New Zealand native Todd Clark left the music program at the University of Western Ontario where he'd been studying and placed an ad online for potential bandmates. Bassist Ruby Bumrah, a graduate of the Ontario College of Art and Design, answered the call, bringing with him fellow alums Chris Greenough (guitar) and Bill Keeley (drums). Citing influences like Crowded House, Radiohead, and U2 for Pilate's especially sweeping brand of melodic rock -- not so dissimilar to acts like Keane, Coldplay, and Snow Patrol -- they released the six-song EP For All That's Given, Wasted in the summer of 2001. It quickly sold out its initial pressing and established the guys as players in the Canadian music scene.

They then landed opening slots on shows for Broken Social Scene, DFA 1979, and Hot Hot Heat, and received the honor of Best Unsigned Band at the 2002 North by Northeast music conference (Canada's version of SXSW in the U.S.). Soon after, Pilate inked a deal with indie MapleMusic Recordings, which then released their full-length debut, Caught by the Window, in 2003. The album produced two hits on national radio and MuchMusic, as the guys toured North America, Australia, and Japan. Their follow-up, Sell Control for Life's Speed, appeared back at home in mid-2006, after which the band changed its name to Pilot Speed. The quartet had signed with Wind-Up earlier that same year following the completion of its third album overall (and first as Pilot Speed), Into the West; the label released the record that September.

I Won't Blame You
Pilate Lyrics

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Your door wide open
These words you've spoken
Hang like rain clouds pending the storm

Cut me slowly
Like you owe me
I feel like being torn

Show me 'round the rooms in your house,
Down the hallway to your doubt
And I won't blame you
I won't blame you
I won't blame you

A season's ended
Our bloodlines blended
Lives change with the melting snow

There's no easier decisions
Just life we've been given
Resigned to failing control

Show me 'round the rooms in your house
Down the hallway to your doubt
And I won't blame you
I won't blame you
I won't blame you

Lay them at my table
Secrets meant for me
Life we know's not simple
This loving not for free

Show me 'round the rooms in your house
Down the hallway to your doubt
And I won't blame you

I won't blame you
I won't blame you...

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Pilate's song "I Won't Blame You" showcase a complicated and emotional relationship coming to a close. The first verse speaks to the clear communication that has been established in the relationship, with "your door wide open" and "words you've spoken" being likened to storm clouds on the horizon. However, this openness is coupled with pain, as the singer describes feeling like they are being slowly cut by the other person. The chorus then establishes that despite this pain, the singer will not lay blame on the other person, and even invites them to reveal their doubts and secrets ("show me 'round the rooms in your house, down the hallway to your doubt").

The second verse speaks to the passage of time, with "a season's ended" and "bloodlines blended" implying that the relationship has deep roots. The singer then acknowledges the lack of control they have over the situation despite their best efforts ("just life we've been given, resigned to failing control"). The final repetition of the chorus reinforces the singer's willingness to accept the other person and all their faults without blame.

Overall, "I Won't Blame You" is a poignant and mature reflection on the complexities of relationships and the importance of empathy and understanding. The wistful melody and restrained instrumentation add to the introspective tone of the lyrics.

Line by Line Meaning

Your door wide open
Your heart is open to let me in

These words you've spoken
Your words carry great weight

Hang like rain clouds pending the storm
Your words indicate an impending conflict

Cut me slowly
Your actions hurt me, but you do it gradually

Like you owe me
You act like you owe me something, but you won't tell me what it is

I feel like being torn
I'm struggling to make sense of my emotions

Show me 'round the rooms in your house,
Take me on a tour of your life

Down the hallway to your doubt
Show me the areas of your life where you have doubts

And I won't blame you
I won't hold you responsible for your doubts or struggles

A season's ended
A phase of our lives has come to a close

Our bloodlines blended
Our lives are now intertwined