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.
You Let Me Down
The Mark Of Cain Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You let me down and you don't know how
You let me down
You let me down and you don't know how
No regrets?
I don't think so
You let me down
You let me down
You let me down (huh)
Down
Down
Down
Down
No regrets?
No regrets?
You walk around like you got sleep in your eyes
You can't see me at all
We're just the same as when we began
Somnambulistic you go walking around
You can't see me at all
We're just the same as when we began
You let me down
You're just the same
You're just the same
You're just the same as the others
You're just the same
You're just the same
You're just the same
You're just the same as the others
'Cause you let me down
No regrets?
You let me down
No regrets?
You walk around like you got sleep in your eyes
You can't see me at all
We're just the same as when we began
Somnambulistic you go walking around
You can't see me at all
We're just the same as when we began
You let me down
You let me down
You let me down
You let me down
You let me down
You let me down
You're just the same
You're just the same
You're just the same
You're just the same as the others
You're just the same
You're just the same
You're just the same
You're just the same as the others
That's why we came to tell you
You took us for a ride
Took us for the worst ride
We're going home alone
And all the time
I think of you
One word
Whore
Whore
Whore
Whore
You're just the same
You're just the same
You let me down
You let me down
You let me down
The lyrics of "You Let Me Down" by The Mark of Cain express the disappointment and betrayal felt by the singer towards someone who has let them down. The repeated chorus, "You let me down and you don't know how" highlights the singer’s frustration towards the other person's apparent lack of awareness or understanding of how their actions have hurt the singer. The line "No regrets? I don't think so" shows that the singer feels that the other person may not even recognize the wrong that they have committed, let alone feel remorse for it.
The verses of the song focus on the similarities between the two people and the fact that despite the hurtful behavior, they remain on the same path with no real changes or progress. The use of the word "somnambulistic" to describe the other person's actions emphasizes the sense that they are moving through life without real awareness or agency.
The final stanza of the song takes a more aggressive tone, with the singer calling the other person a "whore" and accusing them of taking the singer "for a ride." The repetition of "You're just the same as the others" emphasizes the singer's sense that they have been treated poorly by this person in the same way that others may have also been mistreated.
Line by Line Meaning
You let me down
You disappointed me
You let me down and you don't know how
You really let me down and you're not even aware of how much you hurt me
No regrets?
You don't feel any remorse for what you've done?
I don't think so
I don't believe you have any remorse
'Cause you let me down
Because you disappointed me
You walk around like you got sleep in your eyes
You seem unaware and disinterested in the world around you
You can't see me at all
You don't see me or understand how your actions affect me
We're just the same as when we began
Our relationship hasn't changed despite everything that has happened
Somnambulistic you go walking around
You seem to be sleepwalking through life
You're just the same as the others
You're no different from the people who have hurt me before
That's why we came to tell you
We came to confront you about your actions
You took us for a ride
You fooled and deceived us
Took us for the worst ride
You've caused us the most pain imaginable
We're going home alone
We're leaving you and your toxic behavior behind
And all the time
Despite everything
I think of you
You continue to occupy my thoughts
One word
There's only one thing to say
Whore
You're a deceitful and untrustworthy person
You let me down
You disappointed me
Contributed by Bailey N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.