The Mark of Cain is a hard rock/alternative metal band from Adelaide, South… Read Full Bio ↴The Mark of Cain is a hard rock/alternative metal band from Adelaide, South Australia. Their style has been likened to that of Helmet and Rollins Band, yet this band predates both of those groups and was influenced by the early work of Joy Division and US hardcore. The Mark of Cain was formed in 1984 by brothers John (guitar) and Kim Scott (bass guitar), with Rod Archer on vocals and Roger Crisp playing drums. Before long, Archer had left the group and John Scott took on the vocal role; The Mark of Cain has remained a trio ever since. The Scotts have been the core of the band which has featured some 15 different drummers. Currently, that position is held by former Helmet member John Stanier, who is also concurrently with Tomahawk and Battles.

The band's first release was a single, "The Lords of Summer" issued by Sydney label Phantom Records in 1988. Following this, The Mark of Cain's drummer situation became reasonably stable for some time with the addition of Campbell Robinson and the band issued two albums on Adelaide label Dominator Records, Battlesick in 1989 and The Unclaimed Prize in 1991. The band's music came to the attention of Steve Albini, who produced their next release, the 1993 EP "Incoming". This was the recording debut for Robinson's replacement Aaron Hewson, who had joined the band shortly after the release of The Unclaimed Prize.

Albini's involvement with The Mark of Cain in turn led to Henry Rollins producing the band's breakthrough album, 1995's Ill at Ease. The first release on Sydney alternative label rooArt, Ill at Ease was the also the first to win wide radio support, with Triple J giving the singles "First Time" and "LMA" solid airplay. A national tour followed, after which Hewitt left and Campbell Robinson returned. The next year, The Mark of Cain released Rock And Roll, a collection of remixes by artists such as Paul Mac and B(if)tek. The band also contributed some songs to the soundtrack of the Australian film Idiot Box including a cover of "Degenerate Boy" by early Australian punk band X. This was a minor hit. Robinson was replaced by Stuart Baguley in late 1998 but Stanier was mooted as a member from mid-1999. He was taken on to provide the drumming on the next album This is This which was produced by Andy Gill of Gang of Four, one of The Mark of Cain's early influences. This is This was released by BMG in 2001 with the announcement that Stainer was now the band's permanent drummer.

According to their official website, www.tmoc.com.au, The Mark of Cain will be entering the studio with John Stanier to record a new album in February 2008.

Tell Me
The Mark Of Cain Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

You like it like this?
Well I don't think so
And I don't see
What you know?
And you tell me
I'm like a cop inside
You don't know anything

Tell me
So tell me
What do you know?
So tell me
Tell me
So tell me

You stand there
And judge me still
And tell me what's right
And tell me what's wrong
What's in my head
(Can you tell me that too)
Do you think you know anything?

Tell me
So tell me
What do you know?
So tell me
Tell me
Tell me (huh)

So tell me
So tell me
Tell me

So tell me
Tell me

Overall Meaning

The song "Tell Me" by The Mark Of Cain expresses frustration towards someone who claims to know everything, including what is right and what is wrong for the singer. The lyrics indicate a sense of discomfort towards the person's ignorance and arrogance. The opening line, "You like it like this? Well, I don't think so," suggests a disagreement between the two parties, with the singer implying that their perspective is the correct one. The line "What you know? And you tell me," shows the singer's disbelief towards the person's supposed knowledge, further expressed with the lines "I'm like a cop inside/ You don't know anything."

The chorus of the song repeatedly asks the person to tell the singer what they know, as if challenging them to prove their expertise. The line "And judge me still" indicates that the person is not only claiming to know everything but is also imposing their beliefs on others, including the singer.

Overall, "Tell Me" is a song that speaks to the frustration caused by those who consider themselves all-knowing and impose their views on others. The lyrics express a sense of irritation with those who speak without having anything to say and challenge them to back up their claims with actual knowledge.

Line by Line Meaning

You like it like this?
Are you enjoying this situation?

Well I don't think so
Because I don't find it enjoyable.

And I don't see
I can't understand.

What you know?
What do you think you're aware of?

And you tell me
You're the one who informs me.

I'm like a cop inside
I feel like a police officer in here.

You don't know anything
You don't comprehend anything.

You stand there
You just stay there.

And judge me still
And you still determine my worth.

And tell me what's right
And you explain what the right thing is.

And tell me what's wrong
And you explain what the wrong thing is.