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.
Living In the Shadow of the Terrible Thing
Therapy? Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I drag my baggage behind me
Everything's absurd, everything feels strange
I experience time as a terrible ache
Alone and unnoticed on the busy street
I'm living in the shadow of the terrible thing
Windows shatter and alarm bells ring
I'm living in the shadow of the terrible thing
Halfway down the road I've lost all purpose
No Virgil at my side to guide and interpret
Darkness visible, failing light
I hurt in every inch of my lived lite
Sinking slowly in this miasma
Too much hurt for my head to handle
The lyrics of "Living in the Shadow of the Terrible Thing" by Therapy? describe a sense of alienation and hopelessness in the face of an overwhelming and indescribable fear, represented as "the terrible thing." The imagery of "heavy tread and treacle feet" dragging "baggage behind me" suggests a burden or trauma that cannot be easily shaken off. The singer feels disconnected from the world around them, experiencing time as an "ache" and feeling "alone and unnoticed on the busy street." The sensation of fear is palpable, with "windows shatter[ing] and alarm bells ring[ing]" and the singer sinking "slowly in this miasma."
As the song progresses, the sense of despair deepens. The mention of "Virgil," the guide from Dante's "Inferno," implies a descent into a personal hell. The "darkness visible" and "failing light" are suggestive of a world on the brink of collapse. The singer feels physical pain in "every inch of my lived life," and cannot cope with the "hurt" that surrounds them.
Line by Line Meaning
With heavy tread and treacle feet
I feel heavy and slow, weighed down by my emotional baggage.
I drag my baggage behind me
I carry my emotional baggage with me wherever I go.
Everything's absurd, everything feels strange
I am disconnected from my surroundings and feel like everything is meaningless.
I experience time as a terrible ache
Time seems to drag on painfully.
Alone and unnoticed on the busy street
I feel invisible and insignificant, even in a crowded place.
I'm living in the shadow of the terrible thing
I am constantly reminded of something terrible that has happened.
Windows shatter and alarm bells ring
I feel like disaster is always looming.
Halfway down the road I've lost all purpose
I feel lost and aimless in life.
No Virgil at my side to guide and interpret
I am navigating life without any guidance or understanding.
Darkness visible, failing light
My world feels dark and hopeless.
I hurt in every inch of my lived lite
Every aspect of my life is affected by my pain.
Sinking slowly in this miasma
I feel like I am drowning in my own misery.
Too much hurt for my head to handle
The pain is overwhelming and I feel like I can't cope with it.
Writer(s): Neil Cooper, Andrew James Cairns, Michael Robert Mckeegan
Contributed by Elizabeth H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Tom Stiefermann
I live in the US and happened upon them by accident. One song off the Infernal Love album called "Misery" - have been hooked ever since. Yes, agree, most underrated band ever.
fyfe79
When Andy shouts "collapses!" at 2:58, it makes me want to go headbutt my grandmother! THIS is why I love Therapy?.... long may they reign.
Henry Horse
Been following these guys since 'Nurse'. You gotta respect them, they haven't made a bad album. I best go get this one.
Age Of Pilots
Awesome! That's what a bass should sound like. Can't wait to hear it live...
Eamon Mc Gee
Absolutely amazing. This bad certainly does get better with age. Fantastic lads! Cant wait to hear the new album.
CnField Rec
Great stuff from Therapy? Love the drums, the bass sounds fantastic too. Since CT Andy's lyrics have been really good.
666_TheSuperScaryMonster_666
When i first heard this song i thought it was awful but now i've listened to it more it's grown on me and i think it's AWESOME!
Thijs Vangheluwe
Sounds very promising, can't wait to hear the entire album! what a sound...
FhukkGoogle+
One of the best drummers EVER! Check out his work in The Beyond.
XHAKONX
Yeah he's great