STEMM was a 5 piece from Niagara Falls, NY. Formed in 1998 by Louis Penque,… Read Full Bio ↴STEMM was a 5 piece from Niagara Falls, NY. Formed in 1998 by Louis Penque, Joe Cafarella, Russ Martin, and Jimi Penque. They started out with a mix of genres like hardcore with a few rap elements. They had a lineup change, then they had a full-on metalcore sound.. The band released 4 full length albums in total. They played with a bunch of bands like, Hatebreed, Snapcase, Vision Of Disorder, etc. In around 2002 they got a deal from UFC to make the intro song. "Face The Pain" is the track. It was recorded 3 different with different lineups. Once in 2002, then in 2004, then lastly in 2012. in 2012 they disbanded.

Pulling Teeth
Stemm Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

it’s beginning - it’s beginning to take shape
but are you listening? how much more do i have to take?
there’s fingers in my face - take a number for the blame
i never said i was perfect, it was you that lost the game
and i can’t believe – but now i see

[chorus:]
it’s just like pulling teeth

i could’ve swore i heard you scream
you know you’ve got some nerve when you feel no pain
but i don’t have to feel like pulling teeth
i don’t care what you have to say
you know you struck a nerve but i feel ok and i don’t have to live this way

smoke and mirrors
mirage of trust for the hole that you dug
no grass to green
to catch the eye of the wandering dog
no pages long enough for my words to go unsung
sad to think this is where you wanted to wind up
and i can’t believe – but now i see

[chorus:]

through it all you’re still tired and miserable
how much more do i have to say?
or should i play? god damn!

[chorus:]
it feels like pulling teeth
i could’ve swore i heard you scream
you know you’ve got some nerve when you feel no pain
but i don’t have to feel like pulling teeth
i don’t care what you have to say
you know you struck a nerve but i feel ok and i don’t have to live this

i don’t have to feel like
i don’t have to live this way

Overall Meaning

In Stemm's song "Pulling Teeth," the lyrics seem to be directed towards a person who has caused the singer a great deal of frustration. The first verse suggests that this person has been blaming the singer for something, even though the singer admits they are not perfect. The chorus compares dealing with this person to "pulling teeth," a difficult and painful task. The second verse talks about how the situation is just an illusion ("smoke and mirrors") and that the two people are unable to communicate effectively.

The overall theme of the song is one of frustration and exasperation. The lyrics suggest that the singer has tried to talk to this person, but nothing seems to work. There is a sense of resignation in the chorus, as if the singer has given up on trying to get through to this person. Despite this, there is also a sense of empowerment ("I don't have to live this way"), as if the singer has decided to take control of the situation and move on.

Some possible interpretations of the song could be that it is about a failed relationship, a difficult work situation, or a general feeling of being stuck in a negative situation. Whatever the case may be, the lyrics are full of raw emotion and convey a sense of frustration that many people can relate to.

Line by Line Meaning

it’s beginning - it’s beginning to take shape
Something is starting to become clear and take form.

but are you listening? how much more do i have to take?
The singer is frustrated with someone who isn't listening and wonders how much more they can handle.

there’s fingers in my face - take a number for the blame
The person is blaming the singer for something they didn't do and it's becoming overwhelming.

i never said i was perfect, it was you that lost the game
The artist acknowledges their imperfections but is blaming the other person for causing them to lose.

and i can’t believe – but now i see
The artist didn't realize something before but now they do.

it’s just like pulling teeth
Dealing with this person is extremely difficult and painful, like pulling teeth.

i could’ve swore i heard you scream
The singer thought they heard the other person expressing their frustration or pain.

you know you’ve got some nerve when you feel no pain
The other person is being insensitive to the artist's feelings or situation.

but i don’t have to feel like pulling teeth
The artist doesn't have to continue dealing with this painful situation.

i don’t care what you have to say
The artist is done listening to the other person's excuses or justifications.

you know you struck a nerve but i feel ok and i don’t have to live this way
The other person's actions hurt the singer, but they are choosing to move on and not let it affect them anymore.

smoke and mirrors
The other person is not being honest and creating illusions.

mirage of trust for the hole that you dug
The other person created false trust but has ultimately caused harm.

no grass to green to catch the eye of the wandering dog
There is nothing here worth staying for or being interested in, even for someone who is lost.

no pages long enough for my words to go unsung
The singer's feelings or thoughts are not being heard or acknowledged.

sad to think this is where you wanted to wind up
The artist is disappointed that the other person is content with causing harm and destruction.

through it all you’re still tired and miserable
Even though the other person caused all this pain, they are the ones who are still unhappy.

how much more do i have to say?
The singer is exhausted from attempting to make the other person understand their perspective.

or should i play? god damn!
The singer wonders if they should resort to playing mind games to get the other person to see their point of view.

Contributed by Reagan R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS