Labeled as one of the "big six" of the 1980s Bay Area thrash metal scene (along with Exodus, Death Angel, Lååz Rockit, Forbidden and Vio-lence), Testament is often credited as one of the most popular and influential bands of the thrash metal scene, as well as one of the leaders of the second wave of the genre in the late 1980s. They have also been referred to as one of the "big eight" of thrash metal, along with Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax, Exodus, Overkill and Death Angel. The band has sold over 1.4 million albums in the United States since the beginning of the SoundScan era and over 14 million copies worldwide. To date, Testament has released thirteen studio albums (one of which is a collection of re-recorded songs), four live albums, five compilation albums, twelve singles and three DVDs.
After signing to Atlantic Records in 1986, and changing its name from Legacy to Testament, the band released their debut album The Legacy in 1987, followed a year later by The New Order (1988); both albums were acclaimed by critics and the press, including heavy metal-related publications. The band achieved mainstream popularity with its third album Practice What You Preach (1989), which was Testament's first album to climb up the Top 100 on the Billboard 200 chart. A string of more successful albums were released during the early-to-mid-1990s, including Souls of Black (1990), The Ritual (1992) and Low (1994), with the first two also entering the Top 100 on the Billboard 200 chart. After Atlantic dropped the band in 1995, Testament (who had at this point had begun to experiment with a death metal-influenced sound) continued to record and perform until their temporary hiatus in 2001, when Billy was diagnosed with cancer. By 2005, his cancer was in remission and Testament had resumed activity, which saw a brief reunion of The Legacy lineup, resulting in the live album Live in London. Since then, Testament has experienced a resurgence of popularity, with four of their studio albums—The Formation of Damnation (2008), Dark Roots of Earth (2012), Brotherhood of the Snake (2016) and Titans of Creation (2020)—all entering the Top 100 on the Billboard 200, and they have continued to tour consistently.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Testament_(band)
Studio albums
The Legacy (1987)
The New Order (1988)
Practice What You Preach (1989)
Souls of Black (1990)
The Ritual (1992)
Low (1994)
Demonic (1997)
The Gathering (1999)
First Strike Still Deadly (2001)
The Formation of Damnation (2008)
Dark Roots of Earth (2012)
Brotherhood of the Snake (2016)
Titans of Creation (2020)
careful what you wish for
Testament Lyrics
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On shines the light
Praise, an angelic song
but there's another side you'll see
Now hide
salvation easily denied
Reigns, down with misery
False hope
written in the testament of old
Take heed
stop believing every word you read
Truth inconsistencies
Distorts the lie
False imprisonment
Forever lost inside your mind
Fates door
Just be careful what you wish for
Death's door
Just be careful what you wish for
Peace of mind I can't find
Don't be blind take the ride
Hey... we live in a fucked up world
Walking on through the demise
We step into the unknown
Your better save yourself...
Hey... we live in a fucked up world
Hiding behind the disguise
Never let your feelings show
Why can't you be yourself...
We live in a fucked up world
Walking on through the demise
We step into the unknown
Your better save yourself...
The lyrics to Testament's song "Careful What You Wish For" explore a theme of caution and skepticism regarding the messages conveyed through various modes of communication, including religion and literature. The opening lines suggest the notion of a perfect world where grace shines the light and angels sing a praise, but the subsequent lyrics hint at a darker reality lurking beneath the surface. The idea of salvation being easily denied is a cautionary reminder that not all that glitters is gold, and one must be wary of the false hope often found in older texts and beliefs.
The verse goes on to suggest that life is not always what it seems, and people should be cautious about blindly believing every word they read. The lyrics describe truths as being inconsistent and distorted, leading to false imprisonment and minds forever lost. The chorus warns of the danger of one’s desires leading them down a path that may ultimately end at fate’s or death’s door, urging listeners to be careful what they wish for. The bridge further emphasizes the idea that in a world filled with chaos and deception, one should not rely on others to provide them with peace of mind - they must find it for themselves.
Overall, the lyrics to "Careful What You Wish For" serve as a reminder to be vigilant and not simply accept ideas and beliefs without critical examination.
Line by Line Meaning
Grace, in a perfect world
In an ideal world, grace is present
On shines the light
The light of hope and positivity is present
Praise, an angelic song
A song of admiration and celebration, as if sung by angels
but there's another side you'll see
However, there is also a dark side that will reveal itself
Now hide
Conceal yourself from the danger
salvation easily denied
It's easy to be denied salvation or redemption
Reigns, down with misery
Misery prevails and dominates
Life's not always what it seems
Things may not be as they appear on the surface
False hope
Hope that is unfounded or unrealistic
written in the testament of old
Recorded in ancient documents or stories
Take heed
Be cautious and aware
stop believing every word you read
Don't blindly accept everything you hear or read
Truth inconsistencies
The truth has discrepancies
Distorts the lie
Embellishing or twisting the truth can lead to lies
False imprisonment
Being confined or trapped by falsehoods
Forever lost inside your mind
Trapped in your own thoughts or illusions indefinitely
Fates door
The door of destiny or outcome
Just be careful what you wish for
Be cautious of what you desire or ask for
Death's door
The doorstep of death or danger
Peace of mind I can't find
I cannot attain tranquility or contentment
Don't be blind take the ride
Don't be ignorant, take on the journey or experience
Hey... we live in a fucked up world
We reside in a corrupted and dysfunctional realm
Walking on through the demise
Continuing on through the end or downfall
We step into the unknown
We enter uncharted or uncertain territory
Your better save yourself...
It's in your best interest to save yourself
Hiding behind the disguise
Concealing one's true identity or feelings
Never let your feelings show
Don't reveal your emotions or vulnerabilities
Why can't you be yourself...
Questioning why one cannot be authentic
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: DAVE LOMBARDO, DEL JAMES, ERIC PETERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Axl H.
Heavy and bluesy as fuck!!! Wish there was more songs like this
Grant White
God damn, I've been in search for a bluesy metal riff to jam on, and my search has finally ended! This is fuckin epic, just found TestamenT, BIG new fan!
Benjamin Powell
This track destroys everything in it's path. Bulldozer metal. Testament rule.
Capt_Stoopid
Bulldozer metal hehe
Lord Kwizytor
What can i say? TESTAMENT! One of the greatest metal bands all time.
AHDBW
If not the best!
Axl H.
1:59 that’s probably one of the most brutal riffs in metal right there
Chuloloc
Awesome. Be careful what you wish for...you better save yourself!!!! Hail Testament.
BILLYLAWLESSOLIVIA
Yea. This was one of my favorites from the moment I first heard it when released in 1999. Such a powerhouse impact of a song. I do not want to say underrated but definitely a hidden GEM.
Bernardino Mendoza
👿🎸 This kick-ass song is what I wished for. Long live Testament!