Review for the self-titled debut:
Hailing from Toronto, The Silk Demise offer up sensual, stripped-down trip-hop on their self-titled debut. Combining the talents of songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/producer Bill Litshauer and lyricist/vocalist Olivia Zielinski, the band's sound falls somewhere between Massive Attack and the moody trip-hop found on Akira Yamaoka's soundtracks to the later Silent Hill games.
Blending sultry female vocals, occasional half-whispered male vocals a la Tricky, and music that emphasizes atmospheric sound with sometimes sparser melodic work, the their first, self-titled album is an extremely competent and immaculately produced blend of dark, electronic-yet-organic trip-hop with a slightly experimental slant.
Renegade
The Silk Demise Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
two steps back to the other side
where I run where I try to hide what I've seen in spite
(what I didn't know)
two steps back to another time
when the mind was a less divine disease to fight
(what I didn't know)
two steps back to a master plan
fingers fan a failed appeal:
"do not touch the things you cannot feel..."
two steps back to a battle cry
no mercy for the weak who choose to die
two steps back to a future bright
two steps forward into a better light
I'm washing off this skin
don't let the words sink in
I'm washing off this skin
don't let the words sink in
do you believe?
The Silk Demise's song "Renegade" speaks about the journey of self-discovery and the challenges one faces in overcoming their fears and insecurities. The lyrics "going and going away, two steps back to the other side" highlight the cyclical nature of this journey, as one may make progress only to be confronted with setbacks that take them back to where they started. The line "where I run where I try to hide what I've seen in spite" suggests that the singer is trying to avoid facing the truth of their experiences, fearing what they might uncover.
The song then takes us back "two steps back to another time, when the mind was a less divine disease to fight," indicating that the journey of self-discovery is not a new phenomenon and has been faced by people across different eras. The lyrics continue, "two steps back to a master plan, sketched on the back of an outstretched hand," suggesting that each individual has a unique path to follow, despite the challenges they might face. The lines "no mercy for the weak who choose to die, two steps back to a future bright, two steps forward into a better light," express the idea that it is only through perseverance and a willingness to face one's fears that one can move towards a brighter future.
In the chorus, the singer proclaims, "I'm washing off this skin, don't let the words sink in, do you believe?" which can be interpreted as a call to shed one's old self and be open to new ideas and experiences. In conclusion, "Renegade" is a powerful anthem for anyone going through a journey of self-discovery, highlighting the importance of perseverance and a willingness to confront one's fears.
Line by Line Meaning
two steps back to the other side
Going back to a place that is familiar and known.
where I run where I try to hide what I've seen in spite
Trying to escape from the memories that haunt despite all the efforts.
two steps back to another time
Going back to a time when things were simpler and easier to comprehend.
when the mind was a less divine disease to fight
When the mind was less complicated and easier to heal.
two steps back to a master plan
Going back to a plan that was devised with thought and foresight.
sketched on the back of an outstretched hand
A plan that was written hurriedly and secretly, not letting anyone know.
fingers fan a failed appeal:
A desperate plea that has fallen on deaf ears.
"do not touch the things you cannot feel..."
It's a warning to avoid things that may not be worth experiencing.
two steps back to a battle cry
Going back to a time when a battle had to be fought.
no mercy for the weak who choose to die
There is no place for weakness; one needs to survive and thrive.
two steps back to a future bright
Going back to a time when the future looked promising and hopeful.
two steps forward into a better light
Moving towards a brighter future with optimism and hope.
I'm washing off this skin
Trying to forget the past and start anew.
don't let the words sink in
Refusing to let negative words and thoughts affect one's psyche.
do you believe?
Asking if the listener shares the same belief in hope and progress.
Contributed by Blake B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@JoeyArkane
This is fuckin nuts!
@RustySpoons6490
This is awesome. Gives me a very Sneaker Pimps, Portishead, Bjork, Splashdown vibe. Nice work!