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.....
Zen
Strapping Young Lad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh, did you think that I was?
Oh, too late, too late...
Aw, too late motherfucker!
Must remember to keep both feet on the ground
Everything in my life is turning round
We're gods, not demons
Zen
Zen
Zen...on the way I'm feeling
Zen...on the way we're feeling
On we go...we're waiting now...
Are you looking at me?
... Why do you keep looking at me?
... Am I not merciful?
Yes! we're the only ones
We're gods and demons
Zen
Zen
Zen... on the way I'm feeling
Zen... on the way we're feeling
Zen... on the way I'm feeling
Zen... on the way we're feeling
Connect now and emerge.
The song "Zen" by Strapping Young Lad has powerful lyrics that serve as a reflection of the inner turmoil that one can feel while trying to maintain a sense of balance and control. The opening verses are an aggressive and confrontational call-out to someone, possibly a naysayer, who doubted or underestimated the singer's intentions or abilities. The repetition of "Oh, did you think that I was kidding?" shows that the singer is not here to play around or be taken lightly. The use of expletive language adds an extra punch to the lyrics and emphasizes the anger and frustration that the singer feels.
However, the tone of the lyrics quickly shifts as the singer starts to address their own personal struggles. The lines "Must remember to keep both feet on the ground/Everything in my life is turning round" are an admission that things are not going as planned, and the singer needs to stay focused and grounded. The repetition of the word "Zen" is a nod to the Japanese philosophy of Zen, which emphasizes mindfulness, self-discipline, and mental clarity. The singer is trying to achieve a state of Zen, despite the chaos and uncertainty in their life. The lines "We're gods, not demons" suggest that the singer sees themselves as powerful and in control, despite the negative feelings that they may be experiencing.
Finally, the song ends with the lines "Connect now and emerge." This is a call to action, urging the listener to take control of their own lives and connect with their inner selves. It is a reminder that even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, we have the power to emerge stronger, wiser, and more in control.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, did you think that I was kidding?
Do not misunderstand my words or actions as something insignificant or humorous.
Oh, did you think that I was?
Did you think I could be easily tamed or defeated?
Oh, too late, too late...
It is too late to change your actions now, the damage has been done.
Aw, too late motherfucker!
It is too late to escape the consequences of your actions.
Must remember to keep both feet on the ground
I should stay grounded and not let my emotions control me.
Everything in my life is turning round
Everything in my life is changing rapidly and unpredictably.
Then... we're the only ones
We are unique and alone in our experiences.
We're gods, not demons
We have the power and potential to do good or bad, depending on our choices.
Zen
A state of stillness and clarity of mind.
On we go...we're waiting now...
We continue with our journey, but we are expecting something to happen.
Are you looking at me?
Do you have a problem with me?
... Why do you keep looking at me?
Is there a particular reason why you are continuously staring at me?
... Am I not merciful?
Do you not think that I am compassionate and forgiving?
Yes! we're the only ones
We are confident in our uniqueness and individuality.
Connect now and emerge.
Make a meaningful connection with yourself and others in order to grow and develop.
Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
MercilessShred
Strapping Young Lad's music is the equivalent of an emotional rollercoaster. I think everyone with unresolved issues can feel every bit of this music. This was Devin Townsend at his absolute angriest.
DaSpoonyBard
@papa squat There was an interview where he encouraged the mania out of inferiority he felt towards the scene he was in, and the anger he felt was necessary for energy of City. It was certainly a danger gamble on his part, since he could've easily lost insight and control of his mania's trajectory. Then there's the inevitable descent into depression.
Mike Bell
fuck if this comment doesn't remind me of my college years
Mercury Gray
To add to this thread, he stopped taking his medication to make this album. Don’t think it needs to be said but that was a dangerously stupid idea.
Knochensplitter
@Trexpelia Helvetios He did cocaine ?
Mercury Gray
Not enough love for Gene here, absolute beast behind the drums!
Mignon Eloise
🖤💋🖤💋🖤💋🖤💋🖤💋🖤
James Burris
Hell yeah he is
Callabama Slamma
agreed
Anon Ymous
The fact that he literally was on the verge of having aneurysm bursts during a lot of his recording just makes Devin Townsend that much more of a metal god. True dedication to the craft.