Containing elements of death metal, thrash metal, black metal, progressive metal and industrial metal, Strapping Young Lad's music was characterized by the use of complex time signatures, polyrhythmic guitar riffing and drumming, blast beats and Wall of Sound production. The band's musical direction was mainly determined by Townsend, whose battle with bipolar disorder and dark sense of humour were major influences on his songwriting. Townsend was also noted for his eccentric appearance and on-stage behaviour, which greatly contributed to the band's intense live performances.
The band gained critical success and a growing underground fan base from their 1997 album City. After a hiatus between 1999 and 2002, the band released three more albums, reaching their commercial peak with the 2006 effort, The New Black. Townsend disbanded Strapping Young Lad in May 2007, announcing his decision to retreat from public view while continuing to record solo albums.
The legacy continues.....
We Ride
Strapping Young Lad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where, are you going, with all haste
How did this begin? why did we start this?
And why can't you remember?
Goddamn you
Goddamn you
About these things that you say?
Your words are there for us
To deconstruct anyway
Yes you are a product of that environment.
But change is always there.
If you want it!
Cold and foreign, spirit broken.
Please can we go home?
No!
What the fuck was that?
I'm being completely rational.
I'm not yelling!
I'm every relationship
There has to be compromise
And everyone of them has baggage.
I know I have my issues.
And we! know! you! have! yours!
Put it in gear motherfucker!
For tonight, we ride!
Deny the ride.
You and I, connect and emerge.
The lyrics to "We Ride" by Strapping Young Lad are filled with anger, frustration, and confusion. The singer seems to be addressing someone who is in their face and rushing off somewhere, but they can't remember how this all began. The singer then turns their attention to the person's words and asks them to think before they speak, as their words are always up for interpretation by those around them. The singer acknowledges that the person is a product of their environment but encourages them to seek change if they want it.
As the song progresses, the tone becomes even more intense as the singer describes feeling cold, foreign, and broken. They long to go home but are met with resistance from someone else in the situation. The singer then tries to reason with that person, reminding them that every relationship requires compromise and that they both have their own issues to work through. Finally, the song ends with a command to "put it in gear" and ride, followed by the defiant phrase "deny the ride."
Overall, the lyrics to "We Ride" are a raw expression of intense emotions and contradictions. The singer is struggling with their own issues while also trying to navigate a difficult relationship with someone else. The song captures the frustration and anger that can arise when two people are unable to communicate effectively and find common ground.
Line by Line Meaning
What are you doing, in my face!?!
Why are you being confrontational towards me?
Where, are you going, with all haste
Where are you rushing off to?
How did this begin? why did we start this?
What was the origin of this situation and why did we get ourselves into it?
And why can't you remember?
Why are you unable to recollect certain aspects of this scenario?
Goddamn you
A curse directed towards someone for their behavior
Why don't you ever think
Why don't you consider the consequences of your actions?
About these things that you say?
Why are you not more thoughtful about the words you use?
Your words are there for us
The things you say are open to interpretation
To deconstruct anyway
And can be dissected and analyzed by others
Yes you are a product of that environment.
You are a result of the world you grew up in
But change is always there.
However, change is always possible if you want it
If you want it!
It's up to you to make that change happen
Cold and foreign, spirit broken.
Feeling distant and defeated emotionally
Please can we go home?
Can we please leave and end this situation?
No!
A firm refusal to the request to leave
What the fuck was that?
What just happened?
I'm being completely rational.
I'm acting logically and reasonably
I'm not yelling!
I'm not raising my voice
I'm every relationship
I represent every relationship dynamic
There has to be compromise
Both parties have to make concessions
And everyone of them has baggage.
Everyone has emotional baggage that can affect the relationship
I know I have my issues.
I'm aware that I have personal problems that can impact the relationship
And we! know! you! have! yours!
And we understand that you have your own issues as well
Put it in gear motherfucker!
Let's get moving, now!
For tonight, we ride!
Tonight, we're in this together no matter what
Deny the ride.
Rejecting the idea of going along with this plan
You and I, connect and emerge.
Together, we connect and come out of this situation stronger
Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Nuky93
I actually quite like the part without the solo, even though the solo itself is amazing. 30 seconds of concentrated ambient brutality.
Confused Khajiit
but I think that this solo part is actually better than the one before in my opinion.
Bobby Bradbury
I'M NOT YELLING!!!!!!!!
That part always cracks me up
Jotun
The various WHAT THE FUCKs in alien/syl are my favorite
Blackefeltsch
Love both versions. The one with the solo is absolutely insane and sounds almost comical. This one here, which I also heard first when it leaked, just hammers that brutal rhythm riff into your head with this relaxing and spacey synth on top of it.
Luusika
Even though the most kick-ass solos are not there, the sound quality of this video is amazing! Thanks for uploading
Andy Moran
I can imagine myself listening to this while going 80 mph down the highway in my Harley Davidson, holding a .38 special while being chased by all the Staties in MA.
John Z.
I seriously prefer this leaked version - without soloes - than the album version. That short instrumental part, if it'd have a bit stronger keyboards, would be very reminiscent of the "City" phase.
Antti Haikola
I Actually find this version to be better. I just love the atmosphere here. :)
TheSh1tstorm
much prefer this version of the song, its actually the first version i heard. thanks for uploading.