Now known as Swain

Call it restlessness, call it fear, call it being… Read Full Bio ↴Now known as Swain

Call it restlessness, call it fear, call it being out of step or call it being stubborn; This Routine is Hell has been the medium through which these, what some would call "defects" have been ruthlessly transformed into an uncompromising "NO".

Existing somewhere between today's obsolete definitions of hardcore and punk, it's hard to tell exactly what we are; but more important to us is why we're here. Where self-doubt has laid us to rest, creativity must awaken us. Where sadness only saddens more, the power of will and love must empower us. It's this path to transformation which has guided the four of us to cross borders and oceans onto uncommon ground.

The new album "Howl" is the next step into that same unfamiliar territory. We were on the verge of giving up when finally deciding to either go for it completely or simply put it all to rest. A big leap across the Atlantic was taken and we recorded our second full length at Godcity Studios with Kurt Ballou in Salem, MA in the summer of 2012.

Howl is exactly about that. Written with the basic idea that we simply refuse to let ourselves be governed by our fears and our doubts. But perhaps it's even more strongly against 'their' view on what it means to grow up (set in stone) and 'their' inability to actively shape their lives which has its virulent and devastating effects on all of us. It's about disassembling the society with the little tools we have, and rebuilding them with the ones we create.

Some people write biographies. This is rather a statement.

Videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCdNQ55dIaU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QWq_mJV7uU

Asleep
This Routine is Hell Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Thoughts and inspiration are bursting through the seams.
Lack of motivation to follow up my dreams.

I sit alone, unsettled by the path that lies ahead.
Everybody's running, but I'd rather stay in bed.
I'm asleep.

I'm a waste of time, of your patience, of your care.

I'm a waste of good intentions, of your innocence, of love.
I'm a waste of your body, of your lips, of warmth.
I was a waste of your spirit, of your virginity, of love.

I'm asleep.

Overall Meaning

The song "Asleep" by This Routine is Hell portrays a sense of hopelessness and disillusionment in life. The opening lines convey a feeling of creativity and inspiration but the lack of motivation to pursue them. The singer seems to be in a state of confusion about the future and is plagued by uncertainty which ultimately leads them to isolate themselves from society. The line "everybody's running but I'd rather stay in bed" symbolizes the reluctance to participate in the rat race and instead prefers a solitary and disconnected life.

The singer feels they are a burden and a waste of time to others. The repetition of the phrase "I'm a waste of" emphasizes the sense of worthlessness and a lack of self-esteem. The character seems to have failed relationships too and regrets their actions. The ending lines "I'm asleep" emphasize the idea of disconnection and detachment from the world.

Overall, "Asleep" appears to be a commentary on the pressures and expectations placed on individuals in society. It conveys the feeling of being trapped in a cycle of disillusionment and hopelessness, with no escape.

Line by Line Meaning

Thoughts and inspiration are bursting through the seams.
I'm full of ideas and motivation, but something is holding me back.

Lack of motivation to follow up my dreams.
I don't have the drive or energy to pursue my goals.

I sit alone, unsettled by the path that lies ahead.
I feel isolated and uncertain about the future.

Everybody's running, but I'd rather stay in bed.
Everyone else seems busy and productive, but I just want to rest and avoid the world.

I'm a waste of time, of your patience, of your care.
I feel like I'm a burden to others and not worthy of their attention or kindness.

I'm a waste of good intentions, of your innocence, of love.
I believe that people's positive intentions and affection are wasted on me, as I'm undeserving of them.

I'm a waste of your body, of your lips, of warmth.
I feel like I don't deserve physical affection or comfort from others.

I was a waste of your spirit, of your virginity, of love.
I regret past mistakes and believe that I've destroyed the purity and goodness in other people's lives.

I'm asleep.
I'm emotionally and mentally checked out, unable to fully engage with the world.

Contributed by Samuel N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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