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.
Painted Parade
Red Fang Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
can't sleep in the bed that you've made
Daddy was wrong, you could have been strong,
but you've been alone far too long
You'll never be pure, yes madam, yes sir
you've always obeyed, to be sure
Feet to the fire, they call you a liar
Council the weak, they think you're a freak,
a future that's hopelessly bleak
Confused by success, your life is a mess,
yet they can convince you you're blessed
Don't come with me, I won't set you free,
'cause that's not where you need to be
And no, I'm not confused, although you're abused,
I see it's this life that you choose
Painted parade, a slave to the trade,
can't sleep in the bed that you've made
Daddy was wrong, you could have been strong,
but you've been alone far too long
You'll never be pure, yes madam, yes sir
you've always obeyed, to be sure
Feet to the fire, they call you a liar
this cannot be what you want
The song “Painted Parade” by Red Fang tells the story of a person who has been living their life according to the expectations of others, and as a result, feels trapped and unfulfilled. The first verse portrays this individual as a “slave to the trade” who is unable to find rest in the bed they’ve made for themselves. They are haunted by the realization that they could have been strong, but instead have chosen a path of isolation and loneliness. The second verse continues to explore their sense of entrapment, as they are constantly being judged and labeled by others. The chorus repeats the phrase “you’ll never be pure” which can be interpreted as a commentary on the impossible societal standards that this person has been struggling to live up to.
The bridge of the song presents a glimmer of hope, as the singer is given the option to break free from their current fate. However, the chorus repeats again, emphasizing that the choice to remain a “slave to the trade” lies solely with this individual. The song ends with a repetition of the opening verse, emphasizing the cyclical nature of their situation.
Overall, “Painted Parade” can be seen as a commentary on the pressure to conform and the toll it can take on a person’s mental and emotional wellbeing. The lyrics are poignant and relatable, striking a chord with anyone who has felt trapped by societal expectations.
Line by Line Meaning
Painted parade, a slave to the trade, can't sleep in the bed that you've made
You've been pretending to be someone you're not and now you're trapped in your own lies, unable to rest.
Daddy was wrong, you could have been strong, but you've been alone far too long
Your father may have had faith in you, but you haven't been able to live up to that potential due to isolation.
You'll never be pure, yes madam, yes sir you've always obeyed, to be sure
Your eagerness to blindly follow authority has tainted your purity, as you've always submitted without question.
Feet to the fire, they call you a liar this cannot be what you desire
You've been accused of dishonesty, which is not what you actually want but can't seem to escape from.
Council the weak, they think you're a freak, a future that's hopelessly bleak
Despite trying to help those less fortunate, they isolate you and see you as different, resulting in a hopeless future.
Confused by success, your life is a mess, yet they can convince you you're blessed
Your achievements may have brought more complications than success, yet you've been convinced you should be grateful for them regardless.
Don't come with me, I won't set you free, 'cause that's not where you need to be
I can't provide a solution to your problems, as you need to face them where you are, not elsewhere.
And no, I'm not confused, although you're abused, I see it's this life that you choose
I understand you're a victim of mistreatment, but ultimately you've chosen the path that led you here.
Painted parade, a slave to the trade, can't sleep in the bed that you've made
Repeating the opening lines, you're unhappy with the person you've become and want to break free from it.
Daddy was wrong, you could have been strong, but you've been alone far too long
Reiterating the second lines, you believe you could have been stronger if you hadn't been so isolated.
You'll never be pure, yes madam, yes sir you've always obeyed, to be sure
Repeating the third lines, your subservience to authority has permanently stained your purity.
Feet to the fire, they call you a liar this cannot be what you want
Reiterating the fourth lines, you don't want to live in a situation where you're constantly questioned and doubted.
Contributed by London N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Dennis Hargrave
What a great sound!!this band will go far.
neveragain30
This reminds me of when you wake up with a horrid hangover, your head is pounding, you're not sure how you got home, and it hurts to blink. It's in that moment you remember what caused the hangover and you know you just had one of the best nights of your life! Rock The F*** On!!!!
OmegaRedFan
That riff at 0:44 is revolutionary
Havoc
i just discovered this band today totally by accident. By FAR the best accident that's ever happened to me.... Besides my birth.
Phil Gillespie
fucking awesome
Henrik Falkenfleth
just love the videos - shows a lot of self irony
H666
Red Fang deserves your attention.
níl cheathrú
Fuuuuuck YES
Jerky Boy
Lyrics ANYone?
Havoc
Separation anxiety?