In 1998 a deal with Swedish indie label Bridge Records was eked out and the mini-album Cave-In was born.
The band's first album proper was recorded at Berno Studio's in 2001, and is appropriately titled A Venom Well Designed. After the critical acclaim of Cave-In the band had many larger labels interested in working with them. Peaceville Records, who had been fans since hearing the EP upon its release offered the band a deal and were delighted when they accepted.
Marathon Man
The Great Deceiver Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Intricate patterns
To explain away the chaos
You call on me
Your inner wasteland
You call on me
I'm the marathon man
Corrosive - as all imitation resigns Erosive - bible-black by design
Like a monolith
Stands the marathon man
An icon of decadence
Like a monolith
I'm the marathon man
Your inner wasteland
Weightless, fevered
Through rigid structures
We delete all imperfection
You call on me
Your inner wasteland
You call on me
I'm the marathon man
Like a monolith
Stands the marathon man
An icon of decadence
Like a monolith
I'm the marathon man
Your inner wasteland
The Great Deceiver's "Marathon Man" is a song that explores the idea of calling upon an individual in times of personal turbulence and inner turmoil. The opening lines of "Angels, insects, intricate patterns, to explain away the chaos" insinuate that, in times of confusion or uncertainty, people often create their explanations of what's happening around them. However, the chorus of the song suggests that often, this self-created meaning is not enough, and individuals need to turn to someone to help them process their "inner wasteland."
The song's title and repeated use of references to a "marathon man" further emphasize the idea of relying on someone to help work through issues. This metaphorical marathon man may represent someone who is dependable, patient, and has the stamina to weather long, difficult processes of self-discovery and healing. Metaphors involving monoliths and rigid structures suggest that this marathon man is an emblem of endurance and steadfastness, someone who can withstand any challenge.
In summary, the song Marathon Man is about calling upon someone to navigate inner chaos and undertake a significant journey to overcome difficulties. It portrays the marathon man as a symbol of strength, offering hope to those who need it in their darkest hours.
Line by Line Meaning
Angels, insects
Using metaphorical representation to describe different forms of life
Intricate patterns
Complex and well-organized designs that exist in nature
To explain away the chaos
The desire to rationalize and organize the apparent disorder and confusion in life
You call on me
The dependency on an external source for help and guidance
Your inner wasteland
One's inner self that is devoid of life, purpose or meaning
You call on me
Reiterating the dependency on an external source for help and guidance
I'm the marathon man
The Great Deceiver sees himself as the provider of guidance and support
Corrosive - as all imitation resigns
The negative impact of imitation which results in the breakdown of true identity
Erosive - bible-black by design
The gradual loss of spiritual faith, represented by the blackening of the Bible as a symbol of religious belief
Like a monolith
Using a metaphorical representation of a large and imposing structure
Stands the marathon man
A representation of the Great Deceiver standing tall and offering unwavering support
An icon of decadence
A symbol of moral decay and corruption
Like a monolith
Reiterating the metaphorical use of a large and imposing structure
I'm the marathon man
Reiterating the Great Deceiver's belief in his own ability to provide guidance and support
Your inner wasteland
Reiterating the concept of one's inner self being depleted and without purpose or meaning
Weightless, fevered
A description of a sense of detachment from reality and a heightened emotional state
Through rigid structures
The imposition of strict guidelines and limitations on life
We delete all imperfection
The attempt to remove all flaws and blemishes from life through a strict adherence to imposed structures
You call on me
Reiterating the dependence on an external source for guidance and support
Your inner wasteland
Reiterating the concept of one's inner self being devoid of meaning and purpose
You call on me
Reiterating the need for external guidance and reinforcement
I'm the marathon man
Reiterating the Great Deceiver's belief in his own ability to provide guidance and support
Like a monolith
Reiterating the metaphorical use of a large and imposing structure
Stands the marathon man
Reiterating the Great Deceiver's unwavering presence and support
An icon of decadence
Reiterating the symbolism of moral decay and corruption
Like a monolith
Reiterating the metaphorical use of a large and imposing structure
I'm the marathon man
Reiterating the Great Deceiver's belief in his own ability to provide guidance and support
Your inner wasteland
Reiterating the concept of one's inner self being depleted and without purpose or meaning
Contributed by Nathan J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.