Switchblade Symphony was a San Francisco, CA, USA, darkwave band formed by … Read Full Bio ↴Switchblade Symphony was a San Francisco, CA, USA, darkwave band formed by composer Susan Wallace and vocalist Tina Root, in 1989. During its lifetime, the band had two live guitarists, first Robin Jacobs, then George Earth (ex-Red Elvises) and also two live drummers, first Eric Gebow (now with Blue Man Group), and then Scott van Shoick. Their début album was "Serpentine Gallery" (1995, Cleopatra) and their last original album was "The Three Calamities" (May 1999, Cleopatra).

Their music combined orchestral synth's, industrial rock / trip-hop beats and ethereal, sometimes operatic, vocals. Thus, their original and influential sound was created, often defying comparison.

Switchblade Symphony broke up in 1999, after which Tina Root started other projects: solo Tre Lux and Small Halo with George Earth.

Invisible
Switchblade Symphony Lyrics

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I have an empty soul
It's a warning
I feel that you should know
It's a warning

If you leave, if you leave

What am I?
I will follow, I will follow
What am I?
Yes, they are stomping on the switches
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To an empy view
Take my back roads, 'round my fences

If you leave, if you leave
I will follow, I will follow
What am I?
What am I?
Yes, they are stomping on the switches

Climb the ladder straight to heaven

Where the creatures dulcify
Surprise...
Gods and devils take their pillows
Get in position to multiply

It's a warning

It's a warning
It's a warning
I will follow, I will follow
If you leave, if you leave

If you leave, if you leave
I will follow, I will follow
If you leave, if you leave
I will follow, I will follow

What am I?
Yes, they are stomping on the switchesWhat am I?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Switchblade Symphony's song "Invisible" describe the emptiness felt by the singer as they confront the possibility of being left behind by a loved one. The repeated refrain of "If you leave, if you leave / What am I? / I will follow, I will follow / What am I?" conveys the singer's desperation to hold onto their relationship, even if it means losing a sense of self in the process. This is emphasized by the line "I have an empty soul / It's a warning / I feel that you should know", which suggests that the singer is aware of their own fragility and is warning their lover that their departure could have dire consequences.

The song's imagery is dark and unsettling, with references to creatures, gods, and devils that seem to be multiplying and taking over. This suggests a sense of impending doom and loss of control over the singer's own life. The line "Yes, they are stomping on the switches" adds to this feeling of powerlessness, as if someone else is in charge of the machinery of the singer's existence.

Overall, "Invisible" is a haunting exploration of love, loss, and the fear of being abandoned. It depicts a world in which the singer's sense of self is fragile and easily shattered, and where the forces of darkness are always lurking just beyond the horizon.

Line by Line Meaning

I have an empty soul
My soul is devoid of any emotions or feelings

It's a warning
It indicates a potential risk or danger

I feel that you should know
I want to make it clear to you

If you leave, if you leave
In case you decide to leave

What am I?
What will I become without you?

I will follow, I will follow
I will chase after you

Yes, they are stomping on the switches
Other people are trying to sabotage our relationship

To an empty view
To a meaningless existence

Take my back roads, 'round my fences
Accept me for who I am, with all my flaws and imperfections

Climb the ladder straight to heaven
Achieving our aspirations and finding happiness

Where the creatures dulcify
In a place where everything is sweet and harmonious