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.
Long Way Down
Swollen Members Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's a long way down
It's such a long way down to the place where we started from
Yo, I'm still trying to figure out this Venus and Mars thing
But every time I see you all I hear is a harp string
We chilled last night I had to record this
Listen to Portishead making love in the forest
So gorgeous like the voice of the woman gracing the chorus
A newborn in its true form gentle and precious
We connect on more than just mental don't let this shit stress us
I'm okay if you're okay, I know it sounds cliché
But we've built a whole relationship from sand and clay
Now we're so strong we've got a concrete bond
And it completes so solid I had to write this song
And it's a long way down
It's a long way down
It's such a long way down to the place where we started from
We met when we was young two hearts that beat as one
I knew it from the start not 'til death do us part
Nothing compares to you, keep blazin' 'em
I'm a fine young cannibal and you drive me crazy
I know your looks attracts guys but that don't faze me
Soul mate, make me feel like they got nothing on me
Just to taste your lips plus your voice is calming
I know its hard babe 'cause I'm always on tour
But my love is fucking pure and that's for sure
Been around the world feel like I've covered whole earth's surface
Stressed out to the point of asking if it's worth it
Sometimes it trips me out kid 'cause you're so perfect
I gotta keep working, striving and building
So we can get a house, have kids and grand children
'Til then I'll make sure you don't regret
That you gave me another chance girl I won't forget
It's a long way down
It's a long way down
It's a long way down
It's a long way down
I'm shark where you swim sharp as a dart in your skin
We've been given a title that's not hard to defend
Not just my partners my friends see this from start 'til the end
With words that alter the wind cause we assault with a pen
And hit with the song no problems here we getting along
Take turns from learning from our mistakes admit when we wrong
And everybody knows how to fight to shows that are tight
A cobra that strikes, nobody's sober tonight
Take a walk on the wild side give me beats and I'll never die
Hold your mind like a hypnotist
Swing the watch into overdrive
There's no rabbit or wand my habits are ripping a song
The magic comes from the act of people waving their arms
I'm the same as I was, giving and receiving the love
Living and breathing this stuff with Rob the Viking on drums
Battleaxe warriors, Madchild, Prevail
This is music for y'all bars, notes and scales
And it's a long way down
It's a long way down
It's such a long way down to the place where we started from
The song "Long Way Down" by Swollen Members is an emotionally powerful ode to a relationship that has seen its ups and downs, but has come out stronger on the other side. The song is essentially a love letter to a significant other, and the lyrics are filled with gratitude, love and respect for this person. The first verse talks about how complicated relationships can be, but in the end, it all comes down to the deep connection two people share. The singer talks about how he and his partner have built their relationship from the ground up, and the bond they share is now unbreakable.
The chorus of the song, "It's a long way down, it's such a long way down to the place where we started from" is a metaphor for the ups and downs of the relationship. However, the singer is grateful for the journey they have been on because it has led them to where they are today. The second verse is more of a reflection on how the relationship started, and how it has grown and changed over the years. The singer expresses his admiration for his partner and their ability to remain strong through tough times, even when he is away on tour. In the final verse, the song takes a more aggressive tone as the lyrics talk about the power of music, specifically rap music and how Swollen Members is a vital part of it. The lyrics show the pride the members have in themselves and their work.
Line by Line Meaning
And it's a long way down
Starting off by acknowledging the difficulty of the journey ahead.
It's a long way down
Repeating the first line to emphasize the enormity of the challenge.
It's such a long way down to the place where we started from
Reflecting on the long path that has led them to where they are now, and the distance still left to travel.
Yo, I'm still trying to figure out this Venus and Mars thing
Admitting to not having it all figured out when it comes to relationships and gender dynamics.
But every time I see you all I hear is a harp string
Expressing how much the artist is moved by their partner's presence and beauty.
We chilled last night I had to record this
Experiencing inspiration after spending time together.
Listen to Portishead making love in the forest
Recalling a romantic moment shared with their partner.
Were not stuck in this orbit it's gonna work out for us
Believing that their relationship is not constrained or stagnant, and that good things are ahead.
So gorgeous like the voice of the woman gracing the chorus
Comparing their partner's beauty to that of a talented singer.
A newborn in its true form gentle and precious
Referring to their love as something new, delicate, and cherished.
We connect on more than just mental don't let this shit stress us
Recognizing that their relationship is more than just a mental connection, and advising against letting external stressors harm their bond.
I'm okay if you're okay, I know it sounds cliché
Assuring their partner that they are happy as long as they are happy, even if it's a common and overused sentiment.
But we've built a whole relationship from sand and clay
Acknowledging the hard work that has gone into building their relationship from scratch.
Now we're so strong we've got a concrete bond
Celebrating the strength and solidity of their relationship.
And it completes so solid I had to write this song
Revealing that their love inspired the creation of this song.
We met when we was young two hearts that beat as one
Reflecting on the early days of their relationship when they were young and in love.
I knew it from the start not 'til death do us part
Feeling confident and committed to their partner for life, not just until death separates them.
Nothing compares to you, keep blazin' 'em
Expressing how highly they think of their partner, and encouraging them to keep being amazing.
I'm a fine young cannibal and you drive me crazy
Using a metaphor to describe the intensity of their attraction and desire for their partner.
I know your looks attracts guys but that don't faze me
Acknowledging that their partner is attractive to others, but that it doesn't affect their relationship and trust.
Soul mate, make me feel like they got nothing on me
Expressing how special and unique their connection is, and how little external factors matter.
Just to taste your lips plus your voice is calming
Describing the calm and joy that comes from being physically and emotionally close to their partner.
I know its hard babe 'cause I'm always on tour
Acknowledging the difficulties of being in a long-distance relationship due to the singer's job.
But my love is fucking pure and that's for sure
Asserting the pure and strong nature of their love, despite the obstacles they face.
Been around the world feel like I've covered whole earth's surface
Reflecting on their travels and experiences, which have shaped them but also left them feeling jaded and tired.
Stressed out to the point of asking if it's worth it
Feeling burnt out and questioning the value of their travels and career.
Sometimes it trips me out kid 'cause you're so perfect
Feeling awed and lucky to have such an incredible partner.
I gotta keep working, striving and building
Recommitting to their artistic and personal goals, and recognizing that those efforts will benefit their relationship as well.
So we can get a house, have kids and grand children
Listing long-term goals for their future together, such as having a family and a stable home.
'Til then I'll make sure you don't regret
Promising to work hard to make their partner happy and avoid any regrets in their relationship.
That you gave me another chance girl I won't forget
Grateful for their partner's forgiveness and willingness to give them a second chance.
I'm shark where you swim sharp as a dart in your skin
Using a metaphor to describe the artist's tenacity and precision as an artist and partner.
We've been given a title that's not hard to defend
Referring to their label or artistic identity, while also feeling proud of their relationship and its strength.
Not just my partners my friends see this from start 'til the end
Asserting that their love is not just a partnership, but also a friendship that others can see and support.
With words that alter the wind cause we assault with a pen
Describing the power of their lyrics and art to make waves and impact people's lives.
And hit with the song no problems here we getting along
Celebrating their bond and ability to work together creatively without any major issues.
Take turns from learning from our mistakes admit when we wrong
Emphasizing the importance of humility and learning from their mistakes in order to grow together.
And everybody knows how to fight to shows that are tight
Recognizing that they can perform well together even when dealing with disagreements and conflicts.
A cobra that strikes, nobody's sober tonight
Using a metaphor to describe their powerful and intoxicating presence as artists, and how that energy spreads to their audience.
Take a walk on the wild side give me beats and I'll never die
Expressing their love for their art and how it fuels them.
Hold your mind like a hypnotist
Describing the power of their lyrics and the way they captivate their listeners.
Swing the watch into overdrive
Using a metaphor to describe the hypnotic and intense impact of their music.
There's no rabbit or wand my habits are ripping a song
Rejecting the idea of magic tricks or illusions, and emphasizing the natural and raw process of creating music.
The magic comes from the act of people waving their arms
Acknowledging the role of the audience in creating the energy and excitement that makes their music special.
I'm the same as I was, giving and receiving the love
Asserting that despite their success and growth, they stay true to themselves and their love for each other.
Living and breathing this stuff with Rob the Viking on drums
Celebrating their art and how it shapes their lives, while giving credit to their collaborator and partner, Rob.
Battleaxe warriors, Madchild, Prevail
Shouting out their collective and crew, which helps support and inspire their art.
This is music for y'all bars, notes and scales
Describing the intention and vision behind their music, which is meant for everyone to relate to and appreciate.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DANIEL JAMES DENTON, KILEY HENDRICKS, ROBIN HOOPER, SARAH MCLACHLAN, SHANE BUNTING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind