In 1996, Mad Child and Prevail went to the B-Boy Summit in San Diego, California, where Mad Child won several rap battles and was initiated into the Rock Steady Crew, legendary to the hip hop/b-boy scene. The Crew is held in great respect as hip hop's highest collective - to join one must win a contest of skill against one of the highest ranked members. Swollen Members is one of only three rap groups affiliated with Rock Steady.
That same year, the duo began recording their first tracks, with help from many of their friends from the scene - MCs, DJs, and producers, including Rob the Viking. Rob would continue to work with the group through the years, eventually joining them later. From the praise they were receiving, they decided it was time to release their material as a group. With the subsequent release of three 12" singles on Mad Child's record label Battleaxe Records, the group quickly established themselves in the scene and built a respectable following. The next logical step was to release an album, which was titled Balance and released in 1999.
Balance received wide critical acclaim and has been claimed by the band to have sold in excess of 50,000 copies. Featuring collaborations with artists such as Everlast, Divine Styler, and Dilated Peoples, the album also netted Swollen Members the 2001 Juno Award for Best Rap Recording.
Following Balance, Swollen Members recorded and released Bad Dreams, which successfully dodged the so-called "sophomore curse" many artists suffer upon their second release. Bad Dreams was released on November 13, 2001, featuring guests such as Chali 2na of Jurassic 5, Son Doobie, Joey Chavez, and former member Moka Only. Like their debut, Bad Dreams was surprisingly successful for an independent rap album and brought Swollen Members global acclaim. Surprisingly, it appealed to both underground and mainstream audiences, with several singles reaching platinum status in Canada.
The album also earned Swollen Members their second Juno Award, and four MuchMusic Video Awards. The group continues to tour, visiting every major market possible and performing hundreds of shows a year; some with nearly 15,000 audience members. The media continues to give their music and live shows excellent coverage around the globe, and both new and old singles receive solid airplay on college and commercial radio. Their tracks have also been featured in a multitude of films, television programs, extreme sports videos, commercials, video games (especially games produced by Electronic Arts, which has a studio in their hometown of Vancouver), and compilation albums, the sales of which total in the millions when combined.
Swollen Members have appeared on numerous television shows, in addition to having several of their live shows televised. Like their singles, their music videos have been heavily played on both the Canadian MuchMusic and the American MTV, as well as on many independent video shows.
2002's Monsters in the Closet, their third release, brought them greater fame than ever before. Where Moka Only and Rob the Viking had only peripherally assisted the duo before, they now became official members of the group. Monsters included several unreleased tracks and remixes, as well as collaborations from fellow British Columbian Nelly Furtado and Saukrates of Def Jam. Production credits included Evidence from Dilated Peoples.
2003 brought Heavy, released yet again to critical acclaim and powerful sales, despite dismal video play time on MuchMusic. The band considers it the bridge between their underground origins and their potential for fame. Unfortunately the album was controversial among Swollen Members' fanbase. Many fans claim that Swollen Members have removed many elements of their style which had awarded them in the past. The lines were drawn between fans who began to listen to Swollen Members when Monsters in the Closet came out and fans attracted by the earlier two albums (especially Balance). They continue to tour, playing both local and international shows to the delight of their hometown fans.
In 2005 Moka Only decided to break off from the group for a second time and continue work on his solo career.
In 2006 Swollen Members released their fifth full album, Black Magic. It is understood that Mad Child and Prevail made an attempt to return to their previously critically acclaimed style and method. Their previous album Heavy was seen by the band as a disappointment, and isn't listed on their official site discography.
In August 2006, Swollen Members released their new single "Put Me On - Feat. Everlast" off of their new album, "Black Magic".
Their next CD is scheduled to be released at the end of the summer of 2008. According to the band's website, Mad Child will soon release a solo album.
Chemical Imbalance
Swollen Members Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Throne made of stone, I am known for aggression
Sit home get stoned, no purpose
Become a servant, feel like I'm worthless
Sun turn to darkness, now I'm getting nervous
Till I make a purchase and I'm silver surfing
Flying through the stars in the Milky Way
Next day filled with guilt again
Now the Devil's in my car riding shotgun
Mad Child's back like the hot sun
Still shining, red rum red rum
(Very uncontrollable thoughts
You're going to lose control)
From walking on the sun with a Pepsi bottle
Pocket full of cash and a sexy model
Shopping like I just won the lottery
Then I fell down, hit the ground like pottery, smash
(Manic episodes)
Dope, doing drugs like a dummy
Gained a lot of weight with a big fat tummy
Didn't have sex, pale skin like a mummy
Crashed the Suburban, almost killed my whole group
God saved us, I'm telling you the whole truth
Old dude, Clark Kent in a phone booth
(It might scare you) I refuse to be old news
(People with anxiety value control immensely
You're not in control of yourself or in control
Of your emotions and it might scare you)
My mind mentally a torture chamber
Complete frustration, approach with anger
Used to be exciting, white lightning
Living in a nightmare quite frightening (wake up)
Aggressive performer, obsessive compulsive disorder
Psychotic, dark product of narcotics
I'm bleeding badly in shark waters
Hail Marys and Our Father up in
Heaven looking down on what he's not proud of
Evil thoughts, blood, and gun powder
Quit crowded, blue pills and white powder
(Take control of your life, take control of your fear
The things that we do are fear-based fear and worry can be
Very very powerful negative forces in your life
If your anxiety is to the point where it's disrupting
Your lifestyle then you have a problem)
In "Chemical Imbalance," Swollen Members open up about their struggles with mental health and addiction. The lyrics delve deep into the effects of depression, anxiety, and drug abuse on their lives. The first verse begins with Mad Child acknowledging his predisposition to depression, while also acknowledging his aggression. He talks about how he turns to drugs to alleviate his sadness, even though they only bring momentary relief that ultimately fades, leaving him feeling empty and worthless. He mentions feeling anxious when he's not high and describes how drugs can give a temporary escape from reality. However, he realizes that the guilt and sadness always return the next day.
In the second verse, Mad Child talks about the manic episodes he experiences when he's high. He describes going on spending sprees, doing drugs, and gaining weight. He mentions crashing his Suburban and almost dying, but somehow God saved him. He then talks about how his mind is like a torture chamber, and he's constantly battling inner demons. He ends the verse by describing his struggle with addiction and how his life is consumed by drugs and the constant cycle of highs and lows.
Overall, "Chemical Imbalance" provides an honest and raw insight into the complexities of living with mental health issues and addiction. It highlights the temporary relief that drugs can provide, but also illuminates the harsh reality of the constant battle that one has to fight to maintain control over one's life.
Line by Line Meaning
No question I'm prone to depression
It's certain that I suffer from depression
Throne made of stone, I am known for aggression
I'm recognized for my tendency to be aggressive and my unwavering and hard stance
Sit home get stoned, no purpose
Sitting at home getting high, with no real reason or direction
Become a servant, feel like I'm worthless
Feeling like I'm of no value, almost enslaved
Sun turn to darkness, now I'm getting nervous
I'm starting to feel anxious since my life is falling apart
Till I make a purchase and I'm silver surfing
Until I buy something, and feel a high or get elated again
Flying through the stars in the Milky Way
Feeling in pure bliss and utopia
Next day filled with guilt again
Feeling guilty and shameful after waking up the next day
Emptiness and sadness used to get a lot done
Succumbing to emptiness and sadness, but still somehow finding productivity through that state of being
Now the Devil's in my car riding shotgun
Feeling like I'm being controlled by something evil, not in my control
Mad Child's back like the hot sun
Mad Child is back as fiery and determined as ever before
Still shining, red rum red rum
Still pushing forwards despite everything, likely a nod to Jack Torrance in 'The Shining.'
From walking on the sun with a Pepsi bottle
Feeling invincible, 'on top of the world,' for a fleeting moment
Pocket full of cash and a sexy model
Representing excess and materialism as brief moments of happiness
Shopping like I just won the lottery
Feeling like I can buy it all and that money is the ultimate goal and satisfaction
Then I fell down, hit the ground like pottery, smash
Crashing hard back down to earth from the high, like a fragile piece of artwork breaking.
(Manic episodes)
Representing the extreme highs and lows of mental illness
Dope, doing drugs like a dummy
Engaging in dangerous, addictive behavior for pleasure that has negative consequences
Gained a lot of weight with a big fat tummy
Physical side effects of addiction and self-destruction
Didn't have sex, pale skin like a mummy
Feeling isolated and drained, as well as being physically affected by prolonged drug use
Crashed the Suburban almost killed my whole group
The reckless behavior leading to potential harm or disaster affecting not just the individual, but those around them.
God saved us I'm telling you the whole truth
Possible religious connection, feeling grateful for being still alive or coming out of a bad situation
Old dude, Clark Kent in a phone booth
Feeling like a superhero, needing to transform our of your meek or helpless self
(It might scare you) I refuse to be old news
Despite the potential anxiety that comes with change or the unknown, choosing to stay relevant
My mind mentally a torture chamber
Your mind can become a place of anguish and darkness, recounting your struggles and pain
Complete frustration, approach with anger
Feeling trapped and enraged because of the many setbacks and obstacles you've faced.
Used to be exciting, white lightning
Missing the rush and excitement that used to accompany good times
Living in a nightmare quite frightening (wake up)
The fear and terror that comes with being trapped in an impossible or horrifying situation
Aggressive performer, obsessive compulsive disorder
Linking the performance of music and OCD, feeling tied to specific methods or rituals to be successful
Psychotic, dark product of narcotics
The destruction or permanent changes in behavior from heavy drug use
I'm bleeding badly in shark waters
Being vulnerable and at risk, struggling to stay afloat in crises that pit us against significant danger
Hail Marys and Our Father up in Heaven looking down on what he's not proud of
The guilt that comes with understanding that one's behavior goes against religious morals or teachings
Evil thoughts, blood, and gun powder
The darkest corners of one's mind, taking physical form as pain, violence, and death
Quit crowded, blue pills and white powder
Feelings of being overwhelmed or surrounded by toxic environments and vices
(Take control of your life, take control of your fear
The things that we do are fear-based fear and worry can be
Very very powerful negative forces in your life
If your anxiety is to the point where it's disrupting
Your lifestyle then you have a problem)
Encouraging the listener to take control of their fears and that fear and worry can lead to problematic behavior
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@SamuelRodriguez-tl7ke
(You're going to be listening to some people on this tape today who've experienced anxiety disorder in a very real way. A lot of people have a misconception about anxiety disorder. Obsessive thinking, low self-esteem, panic attacks, anxiety, and fear.)
No question I'm prone to depression
Throne made of stone, I am known for aggression
Sit home get stoned, no purpose
Become a servant, feel like I'm worthless
Sun turn to darkness, now I'm getting nervous
Till I make a purchase and I'm Silver Surfing
Flying through the stars in the Milky Way
Next day filled with guilt again
Emptiness and sadness, used to get a lot done
Now the Devil's in my car riding shotgun
(Vicious cycle)
Mad Child's back like the hot sun
Still shining, redrum redrum
(Very uncontrollable thoughts. You're going to lose control.)
From walking on the Sun with a Pepsi bottle
Pocket full of cash and a sexy model
Shopping like I just won the lottery
Then I fell down, hit the ground like pottery, smash
(Manic episodes)
Dope, doing drugs like a dummy
Gained a lot of weight with a big fat tummy
Didn't have sex, pale skin like a mummy
Crashed the Suburban, almost killed my whole group
God saved us, I'm telling you the whole truth
Old dude, Clark Kent in a phone booth
(It might scare you)
I refuse to be old news
(People with anxiety value control immensely. You're not in control of yourself or in control of your emotions and it might scare you.)
My mind mentally a torture chamber
Complete frustration, approach with anger
Used to be exciting, white lightning
Living in a nightmare quite frightening
(Wake up)
Aggressive performer, obsessive compulsive disorder
Psychotic, dark product of narcotics
I'm bleeding badly in shark waters
Hail Marys and Our Father up in Heaven looking down on what he's not proud of
Evil thoughts, blood, and gun powder
Quit crowded, blue pills and white powder
(Take control of your life, take control of your fear. The things that we do are fear-based. Fear and worry can be very very powerful negative forces in your life. If your anxiety is to the point where it's disrupting your lifestyle then you have a problem.)
@EkamSat1
Tha's no question
"It was never us that messed with the rest of them on sedation
Don't nobody get the right to fuck me over ingesting damnation
daily retrial never ends . 33rd degree was a lie."
Grand Mastah
CROW$WORD@555jokerinthepack
I've had a major anxiety disorder my entire life. This song contains SO much meaning to my perspective.
@brittany95125
THE BEST SONG IVE EVER HEARD SHARP MEANINGFULL LYRICS DAMMIT
@norcalrider1334
agreed man, it made my anxiety worst until i quit. people say you cant get addicted either but i think its all mental. ive been smoking since freshman year in highschool and smoked every day since then, now im 23 and quit cold turkey, living sober, and loving it.
@bigkidz007
thats true! the majority of pot users would 100% disagree with your statement "pot helps anxiety until your addicted then it gives you anxiety." they would say it is not addictive. but ive smoked it quite heavily threw grade 9-threw my first year of college. then i decided to call it quits. It is addictive and it only made my anxiety problems worse. It did help very much in the begging 2 years. but it became a problem that i never even realized until my family informed me it became one.
@SamuelRodriguez-tl7ke
(You're going to be listening to some people on this tape today who've experienced anxiety disorder in a very real way. A lot of people have a misconception about anxiety disorder. Obsessive thinking, low self-esteem, panic attacks, anxiety, and fear.)
No question I'm prone to depression
Throne made of stone, I am known for aggression
Sit home get stoned, no purpose
Become a servant, feel like I'm worthless
Sun turn to darkness, now I'm getting nervous
Till I make a purchase and I'm Silver Surfing
Flying through the stars in the Milky Way
Next day filled with guilt again
Emptiness and sadness, used to get a lot done
Now the Devil's in my car riding shotgun
(Vicious cycle)
Mad Child's back like the hot sun
Still shining, redrum redrum
(Very uncontrollable thoughts. You're going to lose control.)
From walking on the Sun with a Pepsi bottle
Pocket full of cash and a sexy model
Shopping like I just won the lottery
Then I fell down, hit the ground like pottery, smash
(Manic episodes)
Dope, doing drugs like a dummy
Gained a lot of weight with a big fat tummy
Didn't have sex, pale skin like a mummy
Crashed the Suburban, almost killed my whole group
God saved us, I'm telling you the whole truth
Old dude, Clark Kent in a phone booth
(It might scare you)
I refuse to be old news
(People with anxiety value control immensely. You're not in control of yourself or in control of your emotions and it might scare you.)
My mind mentally a torture chamber
Complete frustration, approach with anger
Used to be exciting, white lightning
Living in a nightmare quite frightening
(Wake up)
Aggressive performer, obsessive compulsive disorder
Psychotic, dark product of narcotics
I'm bleeding badly in shark waters
Hail Marys and Our Father up in Heaven looking down on what he's not proud of
Evil thoughts, blood, and gun powder
Quit crowded, blue pills and white powder
(Take control of your life, take control of your fear. The things that we do are fear-based. Fear and worry can be very very powerful negative forces in your life. If your anxiety is to the point where it's disrupting your lifestyle then you have a problem.)
@Profound79
I relate to what he's saying. Sometimes SM can sound pretentious which is why I am reluctant sometimes to admit I like listening to Madchild. It's clear that Madchild is fascinated with that side of life and gets power from it but sometimes he does go on. Certain tracks like this though, you know he's been there.
@KillR3l2o4
I used to have deadly anxiety, but that tared me apart and left me emotionless and lost
@Blackwater819
Love that song !!! we all like this in a way or the other
@mmdaniels33
Excessive thinking and panic attacks. Thanks for putting me back to my days after i overdosed on drugs. Cant stop listening to this song.. but its seriously fuckin with my head, making me think of my past.
@Adrien_broner
listen to the lyrics this guy fuckin kills it.