The Blank Theory self-released two albums, Blinding Process in 1998 and Catalyst in 2000. Catalyst included the track "Nevermind" which was featured in a segment of MTV Road Rules. While the first two independent releases were hard edged indie rock, they moved more toward metal when writing for the third release. The Blank Theory released Beyond the Calm of the Corridor on September 24, 2002 via independent label, New Line Records.
Their cover of Portishead's Sour Times was one of two singles from Beyond the Calm of the Corridor and can be heard in the movie trailer to Wicker Park. The other single titled "Middle of Nowhere" was featured on the Freddy VS Jason soundtrack and in Final Destination 2. Founding member and guitarist, Michael Foderaro, left the band in May 2003 to pursue other music projects. He was eventually replaced by guitarist Mateo Camargo from the band Reforma. In mid 2004, drummer James Knight and keyboardist Shawn Currie also left the band to pursue other music projects.
Eventually, vocalist Nathan Leone and bassist Matthew Leone, along with two members from Reforma formed Madina Lake.
Martyr
The Blank Theory Lyrics
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It's where I'm banished, stuck again
And I'm lying to pass my breathe
Pass my breathe to those who would have died
Or could I go on
And wear the marks of a thousand years
And scorn the angels that I've born
Crawling back to the womb
Crawling back to the womb
I, I lost
Or could I go on
A knife in the hands of a beautiful woman
Will cast a spell worth a thousand years
I wish you would hold onto me
I wish you'd remember me when I'm gone
I'm gone
I died for all of you
I died for all of you
The Blank Theory's "Martyr" is a song that delves into complex themes of isolation, desperation, and martyrdom in the face of seemingly insurmountable circumstances. The first verse begins with the singer reflecting on their current situation, which is one of being banished and trapped in a certain place. The repetition of "or could I go on" highlights the singer's sense of hopelessness and uncertainty. They want to give their breath to the ones who could have died, suggesting a strong sense of empathy and desire to help others.
The second verse uses powerful metaphors to depict the singer's feelings of suffering and struggle. They recount wearing the marks of a thousand years, representing a lifetime of pain and struggle. They also express a sense of resentment towards the angels they have borne, who may have been responsible for their suffering. The repetition of "desperately" highlights the singer's sense of urgency in wanting to escape from their circumstances, even if it means crawling back to the womb.
Line by Line Meaning
They've built this place in here
The persona feels trapped in a situation that's been created for them.
It's where I'm banished, stuck again
They're exiled or barred from something they want or need to access.
And I'm lying to pass my breath
They're being deceitful in order to get what they want or need.
Pass my breath to those who would have died
They're giving away something that's valuable and life-sustaining to others who may have suffered or died without it.
Or could I go on
They're questioning whether they have the strength or motivation to continue.
And wear the marks of a thousand years
They're carrying emotional or physical scars that have been developed over a long period of time.
And scorn the angels that I've born
They resent the good things they've created, either due to a lack of appreciation or because they were forced to do it.
Desperately, so desperately
They're in a state of great need or urgency.
Crawling back to the womb
They want to return to a safer, more nurturing place; perhaps, retreat into themselves.
I, I lost
They have been defeated or perhaps, have finally given up.
Or could I go on
They are once again questioning whether they have the strength or motivation to continue.
A knife in the hands of a beautiful woman
Beauty can disguise danger, and an otherwise harmless pen might have the power to do great harm with the stroke of her hand.
Will cast a spell worth a thousand years
Simply owning the weapon or knowing how to use it can have long-lasting and devastating consequences.
I wish you would hold onto me
They long for someone's love or support and fear being forgotten or left alone.
I wish you'd remember me when I'm gone
They fear being forgotten even after they've left this world and are begging for people to remember and mourn their loss.
I'm gone
They feel like they've already died, or at least a part of them has.
I died for all of you
They feel like they've given everything they have selflessly to others; perhaps, even to the point of dying for them.
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave, ST MUSIC LLC
Written by: MICHAEL JOSEPH FODERARO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind