Red Fang, formed in 2005, are a Portland, Oregon based Sludge Metal four-piece consisting of Aaron Beam on bass, Brian Giles on guitars, David Sullivan on guitars, and John Sherman on drums. Both Beam and Giles frequently split lead vocals, as well as Sullivan providing back-up vocals on their acclaimed first and also self-titled album; ‘Red Fang’ (2009). The album, the only of the band’s released on Sargent House Records features songs such as the opener “Prehistoric Dog,” “Humans Remain Human Remains,” and “Night Destroyer.” The album; with heavy bass lines and interesting time signatures was a success among the Doom Community, combining Doom with a faster element derived from Punk, as well as elements of Progressive Metal, Red Fang were just starting their journey.
The band’s motto, ‘Tour To Live,’ is more of a lifestyle, their regular diet consisting of countless cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon and crappy gas station grub and fast food; and the lifestyle shines through in their music. With roaring riffs and unique time signatures Red Fang released their second effort, ‘Murder The Mountains,’ their first on Relapse Records in 2011. Featuring songs like the album opener “Malverde,” “Wires,” and “The Undertow,” the album was the band’s second success.
2013 would see ‘Whales and Leeches," also released on Relapse Records. It’s worth nothing that Whales and Leeches was also the title of a track on the band’s first album, while Murder The Mountains became the title of a bonus track on Whales and Leeches. With songs like “1516,” “Dawn Rising,” “No Hope,” and “DOEN,” the band provided crushing riffs and the choicest of Doom for the third time. The album also features Mike Scheidt on vocals on “Dawn Rising;” Mike Scheidt is the vocalist and guitarist for YOB, also an Oregon based Doom Band.
Dirt Wizard
Red Fang Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
there's no place to go
put gas on the fire
cause i like it that way
things all seem the same
nothing seems to change
turn on my friends
ramble on, on and on
back to the where shadow's gone
oh yeah oh yeah
ramble on, on and on
back to when my life ain't wrong
oh yeah oh yeah
we're all lost at sea
and'll soon cease to be
i love the way
that you shut me out
you just seems so tired
why not rest awhile?
just shut your eyes
and i'll gouge them out
ramble on, on and on
back to the where shadow's gone
oh yeah oh yeah
ramble on, on and on
back to when my life ain't wrong
oh yeah oh yeah
The song "Dirt Wizard" by Red Fang seems to be about a person who is in a state of apathy and nihilism. The first two lines suggest that the person has no direction in life and is content with staying where they are. They then proceed to talk about how they enjoy adding fuel to the fire, implying that they are destructive and relish chaos. The next lines about nothing changing and turning on friends highlight the jadedness of the person who is disillusioned with human relationships and the monotony of their life.
The chorus seems to suggest that the singer is trying to escape reality by "rambl(ing) on, on and on" to a place where they can forget their problems. The mention of shadows could be interpreted as a place of darkness or a sense of anonymity. The last verse is more violent and disturbing, with the singer talking about gouging someone's eyes out while at the same time wanting them to rest. This could be interpreted as the singer wanting to inflict harm on their loved one as a way to distract them from the meaninglessness of life.
Overall, the song presents a bleak and nihilistic view of life and relationships that is both disturbing and intriguing. The lyrics, coupled with the heavy instrumentation, create a sense of intensity and chaos that reflect the singer's worldview.
Line by Line Meaning
its alright i know
I understand and accept the current situation.
there's no place to go
There are no other options or alternatives available.
put gas on the fire
Intensify the situation, making it more chaotic.
cause i like it that way
I enjoy the chaos and destruction.
things all seem the same
Life is monotonous and repetitive.
nothing seems to change
There is no progress or improvement in life.
turn on my friends
Betrayal and abandonment of friends for personal gain.
until none remain
Cutting off all connections and becoming isolated.
ramble on, on and on
Continuing to talk aimlessly and without purpose.
back to the where shadow's gone
Reflecting on the past and former darkness in life.
oh yeah oh yeah
An expression of enthusiasm or agreement.
we're all lost at sea
Feeling lost and without direction in life.
and'll soon cease to be
Facing the inevitability of death.
i love the way
Enjoying the negative treatment received from someone.
that you shut me out
Being rejected and isolated by someone.
you just seems so tired
Observing that someone looks exhausted or defeated.
why not rest awhile?
Suggesting that someone takes a break to recover.
just shut your eyes
Encouraging someone to take a break from reality.
and i'll gouge them out
Threatening to harm someone in a violent manner.
Contributed by Micah G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Gabriel Cabral Parente Bezerra
Dirt Wizard lyrics, by Red Fang.
its alright i know
there's no place to go
put gas on the fire
cause i like it that way
things all seem the same
nothing seems to change
turn on my friends
until none remain
ramble on, on and on
back to the where shadow's gone
oh yeah oh yeah
ramble on, on and on
back to when my life ain't wrong
oh yeah oh yeah
we're all lost at sea
and'll soon cease to be
i love the way
that you shut me out
you just seems so tired
why not rest awhile?
just shut your eyes
and i'll gouge them out
ramble on, on and on
back to the where shadow's gone
oh yeah oh yeah
ramble on, on and on
back to when my life ain't wrong
oh yeah oh yeah
Ja Chase
It's bands like these that want to keep me in music. They're not famous, they work hard, they're down to earth. I'd rather be in a bar band for 15 years than get big in 3 years and gone in 2 years. Keep rockin' guys
borzwazie
Rock and roll isn't about pretty boys. It's about kickass music. And beer. I can't believe I haven't found this until today.
tiki trash
Beer, beer and more beer!
Damjan Stojanovski
Enjoy it mate
Danny Gadish
borzwazie i feel like these guys are my best friends
Keiran Gray
Are you saying these boys aren't pretty? 'cause...dang, they're gorgeous.
Gal Gazit
I used to be straight-edge, then I discovered Red Fang and it all changed.
Sucio Trapo. 13.
Than this,than that,whats next?
sneakyimp
Unlike most stoner bands, these guys can actually write a pretty good song. The song structures stay interesting, good melody, and still crushing riffs.
Nikolay Knchev
@AlphaGlider best band ever