The Grind
Shadow & the Thrill Lyrics


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When the light
Is coming in your eyes
I need your fingernails
You have claws
Despite this
This pathogen is life
The hell gate
Is opened to die
Plasma membrane
Clinical damage
Produces sickness
My brain is tied
All the flavors
Lips on black
Eyes no color
I love your smile
The grind teeth
The grind teeth
The grind teeth
The grind teeth
Falling down
Into the circus now
Clowns and monsters
The show starts
This name is awfull
I want to cry
I see the end
The end of life
All the fire
I feel inside
My body is burned
You think to lie
All the flavors
Lips on black
Eyes no color
I love your smile
The grind teeth
The grind teeth
The grind teeth
The grind teeth
The grind teeth
The grind teeth




The grind teeth
The grind teeth

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "The Grind" by Shadow & the Thrill explore themes of pain, suffering, and the destructive nature of life. The opening lines, "When the light is coming in your eyes, I need your fingernails, you have claws," suggest a vulnerability and a need for protection. The reference to claws could symbolize the strength needed to navigate life's challenges.


The line "This pathogen is life" introduces the idea that life itself can be like a disease or affliction. The following line, "The hell gate is opened to die," reinforces this notion, implying that life can often feel like a descent into darkness and despair.


The mention of the "plasma membrane" and "clinical damage" suggests a deteriorating state of health or well-being. This could be interpreted metaphorically, representing emotional or psychological damage caused by the grind of life.


The repetition of the phrase "The grind teeth" throughout the song emphasizes the harshness and relentlessness of life's challenges. Falling into the circus with clowns and monsters could symbolize the chaotic and unpredictable nature of existence. The line "I see the end, the end of life" suggests a sense of hopelessness and resignation.


The lyrics also touch on the contrast between pain and pleasure. The reference to "lips on black, eyes no color" could represent the absence of joy or vibrancy in life. However, the line "I love your smile" juxtaposes this darkness with an expression of affection, possibly highlighting the moments of happiness that can still be found amidst the struggles.


Overall, "The Grind" presents a gritty and introspective exploration of the difficulties and complexities of life, juxtaposing pain with moments of connection and appreciation.


Line by Line Meaning

When the light
In moments when everything seems bright and promising


Is coming in your eyes
When optimism and hope fill your gaze


I need your fingernails
I crave your strength and resilience


You have claws
You possess the power to fight back and defend yourself


Despite this
In spite of the challenges and obstacles


This pathogen is life
The struggles and hardships are an integral part of existence


The hell gate
A doorway to agony and despair


Is opened to die
Leading to an agonizing demise


Plasma membrane
The protective barrier that shields us from harm


Clinical damage
The visible and tangible harm caused by a ruthless world


Produces sickness
Generates a state of illness and suffering


My brain is tied
My thoughts are entangled and consumed by distress


All the flavors
The diverse experiences and emotions


Lips on black
Kisses shared in moments of darkness and pain


Eyes no color
Eyes that lack vibrancy and joy


I love your smile
I cherish the happiness you bring despite the hardships


The grind teeth
The relentless pressure and strain on one's perseverance


Falling down
Descending into a state of despair and hopelessness


Into the circus now
Joining a chaotic and overwhelming environment


Clowns and monsters
Faced with both superficial jesters and genuine threats


The show starts
The performance of life commences


This name is awful
The identity associated with pain and suffering is burdensome


I want to cry
Longing for a release of pent-up emotions


I see the end
Glimpsing the inevitable conclusion of existence


The end of life
The ultimate cessation of being


All the fire
The burning passion and intensity within


I feel inside
An emotional depth that cannot be extinguished


My body is burned
Enduring the scorching pain inflicted upon me


You think to lie
Deceptive intentions cloud your thoughts and actions


The grind teeth
The relentless pressure and strain on one's perseverance


The grind teeth
The relentless pressure and strain on one's perseverance


The grind teeth
The relentless pressure and strain on one's perseverance


The grind teeth
The relentless pressure and strain on one's perseverance


The grind teeth
The relentless pressure and strain on one's perseverance


The grind teeth
The relentless pressure and strain on one's perseverance


The grind teeth
The relentless pressure and strain on one's perseverance


The grind teeth
The relentless pressure and strain on one's perseverance




Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Cesar Martinez, David Alonso, Eric Arroyo, Gabriel Lopez

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Sarah McNamara

Beautiful! Very sultry & sexy!

Silver Smith

Beautifully done! Love this one ♥️

Trina Krepcik

Epic!! Love this ❤️!!! Beautiful!!

Henry Wallis

My favorite one!!! Loved it!!

Corinna Carbajal

Absolutely love the feel of this song ❤

Dixie Hayse

I ❤️ it!!

Tammy Throneberry

❤❤❤❤❤❤ great job

David Dwyer

Just heard this randomly on Spotify and the guitar work in here absolutely blew me away. So much feel, I am almost in tears. Fucking unbelievable stuff guys.

Shadow & The Thrill

Thanks David... much appreciated, video is out is a few days! T

Bob F.

I bought this album on cd this album is awesome .

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