Cooper's sophomore album, "Family Tree: The Roots" was released in October 2011. It is the first of the trilogy record called "The Family Tree" which follows the story of a fictional family from 1800 to 1950. Following "The Roots" will be "The Branches" and "The Relatives" respectively.
In between his first two Radical Face records Ben released two EP's to fill the gap. The first was "Touch The Sky". In the summer of 2011 "The Bastards Volume 1" EP was released. Other volumes will compliment the fore-coming Family Tree trilogy.
Under his 'Radical Face' moniker his music features acoustic guitar, "found-sound" percussion, and many multi-layered tracks. The sound is incredibly unique, not only because of Cooper's originality and raw talent, but also because most of the music has traditionally been recorded in the shed in his backyard.
Website: www.radicalface.com
Martyr
Radical Face Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We don't mind because we can't go home
We choke on our shooting stars
But can't quit because we've come this far
We can't quit because we've come too far
A handful of apple cores
A mouthful of razor blades
And whatever else it takes to waste away
There's nothing but holes in you
And that's why I can see straight through
And all of your miseries
Ain't worth much because you left them to me
Ain't worth much because you left them for me
One of these days you'll string me up (ba dum)
Throw me to the wolves
My time is almost up (ba dum)
The hourglass is full
And I think the wolves are saying grace
They cut me up
But I feel all right
They chopped me up
But I feel all right
They strung me up (You get what you paid for)
But I feel all right
They roped me up (You get what you paid for)
But I feel all right
They chopped me up (Yeah, you get what you paid for)
But I feel all right
They cut me up (You get what you paid for)
But I feel
If I can't find a place to lay
Then I'll save you for another day
And if you're a mystery
Well, don't fret because that's okay by me
And we'll all die in stereo
And I'll probably be the first to go
And if I'm a martyr then
That's fine 'cause you can borrow my sins
And that's fine 'cause you can borrow my sins
The lyrics of Radical Face's song "Martyr" portray a sense of despair and resignation, as the singer seems to be reflecting on their own mortality and the inevitability of death. The opening lines speak of the need to collect bones, suggesting that time is running out and there is a sense of urgency to make the most of the time left. The repetition of the line "We can't quit because we've come too far" suggests a feeling of being trapped - perhaps in a situation or lifestyle that they cannot escape from.
The second verse describes the singer's self-destructive tendencies, with apple cores and razor blades used to waste away. The line "There's nothing but holes in you" implies a sense of emptiness, as though the singer has lost their sense of purpose or direction. The mention of the wolves in the third verse adds a sense of foreboding, as though the singer is aware that their time is running out and they will soon face the consequences of their actions.
The chorus repeats the phrase "But I feel all right" several times, creating a sense of contrast between the singer's physical state (being cut up, strung up, and chopped up) and their emotional state (which seems to be one of acceptance or resignation). The final lines of the song suggest that the singer is willing to accept the role of martyr if it means that others can learn from their mistakes and find a way to move forward.
Line by Line Meaning
It's time to collect the bones
It's time to face the consequences and take accountability for our actions.
We don't mind because we can't go home
We're resigned to our fate and accepting that there's no turning back.
We choke on our shooting stars
Our aspirations and dreams are suffocating us as they become more difficult to achieve.
But can't quit because we've come this far
Despite the difficulties, we're determined to keep going because we've invested so much time and effort already.
A handful of apple cores
We have only remnants of what we once had, symbolized by half-eaten fruit.
A mouthful of razor blades
Our words and thoughts are sharp and hurtful, causing harm to ourselves and others.
We're always on the hunt with definitions of things
We're constantly searching for meaning in our lives and trying to figure out our place in the world.
And whatever else it takes to waste away
We're willing to do whatever it takes to distract ourselves from uncomfortable truths and numb our emotions.
There's nothing but holes in you
You're empty and lack a sense of purpose or direction.
And that's why I can see straight through
Your lack of substance makes you transparent and easy to read.
And all of your miseries
Your problems and sorrows are insignificant and unworthy of sympathy.
Ain't worth much because you left them to me
You've given up on your troubles and left them for someone else to deal with.
One of these days you'll string me up (ba dum)
You'll betray me or turn on me when I least expect it.
Throw me to the wolves
You'll leave me vulnerable and exposed to danger.
My time is almost up (ba dum)
I'm running out of time and opportunities to make things right.
The hourglass is full
My time is nearly up and the consequences of my actions are catching up with me.
And I think the wolves are saying grace
My enemies are rejoicing and celebrating my misfortune.
They cut me up
I've been hurt and damaged by those who claim to care about me.
But I feel all right
Despite the pain, I'm still alive and able to endure.
If I can't find a place to lay
If I can't find a sense of belonging or purpose in this world,
Then I'll save you for another day
I'll prioritize the well-being of others over my own and persevere for their sake.
And if you're a mystery
If you're complex and difficult to understand,
Well, don't fret because that's okay by me
I accept that you're not easily decipherable and respect your individuality.
And we'll all die in stereo
We'll all face the same ultimate fate and experience death together.
And I'll probably be the first to go
I'm likely to die sooner than those around me due to my reckless behavior or unhealthy lifestyle.
And if I'm a martyr then
If I end up sacrificing myself for a cause,
That's fine 'cause you can borrow my sins
Others can learn from my mistakes and ensure that my death was not in vain.
Contributed by Logan P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Nick Davey
I remember listening to this album and not liking the vocals as much in certain songs. I have now lost that feeling and like the vocals and wonder which part of me is right. The use of the high part of his voice is noticeable in this song and I really like it. The album in general is wonderful too, he said he wanted it to be pretty to listen to and it is.
you-are-the-pelican-man
What album is this on?
Simonstopher
Junkyard Chandelier (2003) :)
Steve Rieske
This was before puberty, apparently.
bean fotchott
I love his high voice in this xD