On January 17, 2008, the song was performed on the Late Show with David Letterman. On January 22, the song was performed on MTV Live.
On February 8, 2009, "Wax Simulacra" won the Grammy for Best Hard Rock Performance at the 51st Grammy Awards.
Wax Simulacra
The Mars Volta Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They find it punctual with idle tooth
I'll found something
To shake by the roots
I crawl along the ceilings in your room
The cold is spinning thread to answer you
I need something
Am I waiting now?
Does my waiting howl?
Am I waiting now?
Does my waiting howl?
I bring an avalanche of Toltec bones
Contaminated cravings if you choose
To play something
That aches for a spill
Leave out the meat for that contact high
Inhale the vapors that let the hangman smile
For that something
To shake by the roots
Am I waiting now?
Does my waiting howl?
Am I waiting now?
Does my waiting howl?
Bring me the tame
Witness germinates
In the child the word of mouth stutters
Blink at the lonely dice
Bring me the tame
Witness germinates
In the child the word of mouth stutters
Blink at the lonely dice
(Don't know) am I waiting now? (don't know)
(Don't know) does my waiting howl? (don't know)
(Don't know) am I waiting now? (don't know)
(Don't know) does my waiting howl? (don't know)
(Don't know) am I waiting now? (don't know)
(Don't know) does my waiting howl? (don't know)
(Don't know) am I waiting now? (don't know)
(Don't know) does my waiting howl? (don't)
The lyrics of The Mars Volta's song Wax Simulacra are poetic and abstract in nature. The song seems to deal with themes of fractured identity, self-discovery, and a journey towards emotional healing.
The opening lines "Came back to tell yourself I broke in twos, Define the puncture, when will I know to" suggest a sense of dislocation and a fragmentation of self. The singer seems to question their own identity and the events that led them to this place. However, they also seem to find a source of solace and hope in the line "I found something to shake by the roots".
The next stanza features some vivid imagery, with "an avalanche of taunted bones" and "contaminated cravings" hinting at a sense of emotional turmoil. The lines "Hope for something to shake by the roots" suggest that the singer is searching for something profound and transformative to help them break free of their malaise.
The repeated refrain of "Am I waiting now, does my waiting howl" adds an eerie, hypnotic quality to the song. It feels like a mantra of sorts, repeating the yearning for something profound to occur. The final lines "Bring me the tame, Witness germinating the child, The word of mouth stutters, Blink at the lonely guise" suggest a desire for rebirth or renewal, and a sense of yearning for a more authentic sense of self.
Line by Line Meaning
Came back to tell yourself I broke in twos
I returned to confess that I am broken in two parts, split between my desires and my responsibilities.
Define the puncture, when will I know to
Help me understand the wound and how to heal it.
I found something to shake by the roots
I discovered something that challenges my deepest beliefs and values.
I come along to see what's in your room
I am curious to explore the depths of your mind and emotions.
The Coma's spending time to answer you
The unconsciousness state is taking time to respond to your questions.
I need something laid out for him
I require clear instructions on how to solve this problem for him.
Am I waiting now, Does my waiting howl
Am I just wasting time or is my inaction causing pain?
I bring an avalanche of taunted bones
My actions will cause a destructive, violent upheaval.
Contaminate your cravings if you choose
If you decide to yield to your desires, I will corrupt and infect them.
To pray something then extra will spill
If you hope for something fervently enough, it might come with further consequences.
Whom after me form out a content high
Others after me will find satisfaction and happiness from different things than I do.
Inhale the vapors that will heal your smile
Breathe in the medicine that will restore your happiness and well-being.
Hope for something to shake by the roots
Look forward to an experience that will challenge and transform you.
Bring me the tame
Show me the ordinary, the unremarkable things.
Witness germinating the child
Observe the birth and growth of something new and untested.
The word of mouth stutters
People are hesitant to talk about what they really feel and think.
Blink at the lonely guise
Ignore the appearance of solitude and acknowledge the strength and perseverance behind it.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Cedric Bixler, Omar Rodriguez
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Juana M
Came back to doubt yourself but broke in two
They find it punctual with idle tooth
I'll find something to shake by the roots
I crawl along the ceilings in your room
The cold is spinning thread to answer you
I need something made of freewill
Am I waiting now?
Does my waiting howl?
Am I waiting now?
Does my waiting howl?
I bring an avalanche of Toltec bones
Contaminated cravings if you choose
To play something that aches for a spill
Leave out the meat for that contact high
Inhale the vapors and let the hangman smile
For that something to shake by the roots
Am I waiting now?
Does my waiting howl?
Am I waiting now?
Does my waiting howl?
Bring me the tame
Witness germinates in the child
That word of mouth stutters
Blink at the lonely dice
Bring me the tame
Witness germinates in the child
That word of mouth stutters
Blink at the lonely dice
(Don't know...)
Am I waiting now?
Does my waiting howl?
Am I waiting now?
Does my waiting howl?
Am I waiting now?
Does my waiting howl?
Am I waiting now?
Does my waiting howl?
Jumbled Mass
Came back to tell yourself I broke in twos,
Define the puncture, when will I know to,
I found something to shake by the roots,
I come along to see what's in your room,
The Coma's spending time to answer you,
I need something laid out for him,
Am I waiting now,
Does my waiting howl,
Am I waiting now?
Does my waiting howl.
I bring an avalanche of taunted bones,
Contaminate your cravings if you choose,
To pray something then extra will spill
Whom after me form out a content high,
Inhale the vapors that will heal your smile,
Hope for something to shake by the roots.
Am I waiting now,
Does my waiting howl,
Am I waiting now,
Does my waiting howl.
Bring me the tame,
Witness germinating the child,
The word of mouth stutters,
Blink at the lonely guise
TLV SEVRUN
Im so sad i missed these guys live in their prime. Its rare to see a band carry this kind of energy. So thankful for their work.
Born Yesterday
When did you see 'em?
TLV SEVRUN
Never unfortunately. Definitely one of those once in a life time type bands though. I don’t think anyone will do what these guys do.
John Connor
They were always good ive but Cedric was hit or miss from what I've heard(i.e. example: the live album) but saw them in 2009 and it sounded on point in my opinion.
John Jingleheimersmith
@John Connor I think he was getting into scientology due to his weird wife at the time. Apparently they left that cult and he's back in form though. They're touring now if you weren't aware. Too bad most of us fans are over a decade older now and have lost most of the energy that a youthful crowd gives to good show.
howahya
Thomas Pridgen on drums. An absolute master.
Not Anymore
We need these guys back together.
Beyond thelaw1
They’re back together.
Thy Holy Biscuit
Yep. Just made a new song a few days ago
井出朱美
Be careful what you wish for.