With keen pop sensibilities, a skewed sense of humour and a willingness to draw inspiration from diverse sources (notably punk rock), Therapy? came to attention in the early 1990s rise of alternative rock, but have endured for more than a decade since; Critic Johnny Loftus writes, "After a ten-plus year career that has seen them outlast competitors and outwit industry attempts at categorization, Therapy? are still headbangers with their thinking caps screwed on tight."
Current line-up :
Andy Cairns (guitar, vocals) (1989 - )
Michael McKeegan (bass guitar, backing vocals) (1989 - )
Neil Cooper (drums) (2003 - )
Past members:
Fyfe Ewing (drums) (1989 - 1996)
Martin McCarrick (cello, guitar, backing vocals) (1996 - 2004)
Graham Hopkins (drums) (1996 - 2001)
Discography:
-Hard Cold Fire (2023)
-Cleave (2018)
-Disquiet (2015)
-A Brief Crack of Light (2012)
-Crooked Timber (2009)
-One Cure Fits All (2006)
-Never Apologise Never Explain (2004)
-High Anxiety (2003)
-Shameless (2001)
-So Much For The Ten Year Plan - A Retrospective 1990-2000 (2000)
-Suicide Pact - You First (1999)
-Semi-Detached (1998)
-Infernal Love (1995)
-Troublegum (1994)
-Face the Strange E.P. (1993)
-Shortsharpshock E.P. (1993)
-Nurse (1992)
-Pleasure Death (1992)
-Babyteeth (1991)
Northern Ireland, 1989.
Hate Kill Destroy
Therapy? Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Today's just an endless wait
Skull monkeys running through my head
Skylight, police car on fire
Someone get me to the end I'm dyin'
Justice is just a easy word
I'm only human, just an upright dog
Nothing special and no loss
A handful of sour glory or a cup of poisoned joy
We're the devils playthings, Satan's little helpers
A handful of sour glory and a cup of poisoned joy
God's mistakes
Hate, kill and destroy
All this panic just to keep us down
Get me up before the air runs out
I'm only human, just an upright dog
Nothing special and no loss
A handful of sour glory, a cupful of poisoned joy
We're the devils playthings, Satan's little helpers
All God's mistakes
A handful of sour glory a little cup of poisoned joy
We're the devils playthings baby
Hate, kill and destroy
Handful of sour glory and a cup of poisoned joy
We're the devils playthings, we're Satan's little helpers
A handful of sour glory a little cup of poisoned joy
We're the devils playthings
Hate, kill and destroy
The first line of the lyrics seems to be a question in German: "Was meint ihr, will aus dieses Kindlein werden, Gutes oder Bรถses?" which translates to "What do you think, will this child become good or evil?" The question sets the tone for the rest of the song, which explores the idea that humans are capable of both good and evil.
The rest of the lyrics describe a feeling of despair and hopelessness, as the singer is overwhelmed by negative thoughts ("Skull monkeys running through my head") and the chaos of the world around them (a police car on fire). The singer seems to be questioning the idea of justice and the influence of older generations and pop culture on society. They also describe themselves as "only human, just an upright dog," highlighting their own vulnerability and lack of power.
The repeated refrain of "A handful of sour glory or a cup of poisoned joy" suggests that humanity is caught between two extremes - fame and success at any cost, or the temporary pleasure of destructive behavior. The final lines of the song, "We're the devil's playthings, Satan's little helpers / Hate, kill and destroy," drive home the idea that humans are capable of great evil, especially when swayed by negative influences.
Line by Line Meaning
Today's just an endless wait
The day feels never-ending and dull
Skull monkeys running through my head
I have racing and disturbing thoughts in my mind
Skylight, police car on fire
I see a chaotic scene with a burning police car and a bright opening in the sky
Someone get me to the end I'm dyin'
I feel like I'm losing control and need someone to help me through this feeling of despair
Justice is just a easy word
Society uses the word justice casually but doesn't truly understand its meaning
Our elders only time our pop-idol
Our society values celebrity figures more than the wisdom of elderly people
I'm only human, just an upright dog
I'm just an ordinary and flawed person
Nothing special and no loss
I don't have any unique qualities and I won't be missed when I'm gone
A handful of sour glory or a cup of poisoned joy
I have a choice between fleeting and unsatisfying success or temporary pleasure that's ultimately harmful to me
We're the devils playthings, Satan's little helpers
We've fallen prey to evil influences and act as accomplices to wrongdoing
God's mistakes
Humanity is full of flaws and imperfections, and is thus seen as a mistake by some
Hate, kill and destroy
The actions caused by our negative emotions and destructive tendencies
All this panic just to keep us down
Society creates a sense of panic to control and oppress us
Get me up before the air runs out
I need help before it's too late and I suffocate under the weight of my problems
A handful of sour glory, a cupful of poisoned joy
I have a choice between fleeting and unsatisfying success or temporary pleasure that's ultimately harmful to me
We're the devils playthings baby
We've fallen prey to evil influences and act as accomplices to wrongdoing
Hate, kill and destroy
The actions caused by our negative emotions and destructive tendencies
Handful of sour glory and a cup of poisoned joy
I have a choice between fleeting and unsatisfying success or temporary pleasure that's ultimately harmful to me
We're the devils playthings, we're Satan's little helpers
We've fallen prey to evil influences and act as accomplices to wrongdoing
A handful of sour glory a little cup of poisoned joy
I have a choice between fleeting and unsatisfying success or temporary pleasure that's ultimately harmful to me
Hate, kill and destroy
The actions caused by our negative emotions and destructive tendencies
Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANDREW CAIRNS, GRAHAM HOPKINS, MARTIN MCCARRICK, MICHAEL ROBERT MCKEEGAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind