ThouShaltNot have built strong fanbases through their national tours and their work with acts such as The Dresden Dolls, VNV Nation, Alphaville and David J (of Bauhaus). Their club hits "Cardinal Directions," "Without Faith," "Last Comfort," and "Inside of You, In Spite of You," have been played at nearly every dark alternative and goth venue in America, while their more organic "True Love" and "When Everyone Forgets" have appeared to acclaim on high profile compilations that exceed the limits of genre.
ThouShaltNot's music, throughout its thoughtful subject matter, is hook-laden and complex in its emotional and intellectual architecture. With their latest releases, Land Dispute and the New World EP, ThouShaltNot is poised to change the way you think and feel about music.
The band consists of: Alex Reed (vocals, keyboards, guitars, programming, samples), Aaron Fuleki (percussion, programming, samples, guitars, backing vocals) and Jeremy David (guitars, backing vocals, piano, keyboards, programming).
Sick
ThouShaltNot Lyrics
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When the nerves melt away like the snow
This infection runs its course through me
So much more than mere infirmity
When the throat closes of its own will
I can't laugh, I can't breathe, I am still
Be my healer; please don't leave me here
Beneath the storm cloud and heavy atmosphere
Someone find me
Someone cure me
If I'm not too sick to cure
Medicate me
Moderate me
So that I can try once more
Tried to sit up in bed, was too weak
Tried to form the right words, tried to speak
I can listen and I can see a bit
You can touch me if you don't mind it
Tried to give to the world, only took
Tried to keep courage strong, but it shook
Never told you what it's like to shout
And sterile silence is all that comes out
The song "Sick" by ThouShaltNot conveys the emotional turmoil and physical upheaval of a person suffering from an unknown illness. The opening lines, "When the heart and the blood start to slow / When the nerves melt away like the snow," create a vivid imagery of the debilitating effects of the illness on the body. The lyrics go on to describe the feelings of helplessness and desperation as the illness takes hold, "This infection runs its course through me / So much more than mere infirmity."
The chorus, "Someone find me / Someone cure me / If I'm not too sick to cure / Medicate me / Moderate me / So that I can try once more," expresses the need for assistance and hope for recovery. The singer is pleading for someone to heal them, to bring them out of the dark and back into life. The second verse paints a picture of the singer’s struggles to communicate and interact with the world, to try and stay positive and motivated.
Overall, the song lyrically portrays the overwhelming despair and the desire for controlling one’s situation in the wake of an illness. It speaks volumes to the emotional and psychological pain of being unwell and the burden it places on those who care about you.
Line by Line Meaning
When the heart and the blood start to slow
As I become sick, I experience a decrease in my heart rate and blood flow.
When the nerves melt away like the snow
My nerves start to fail me and become numb, like snow melting away.
This infection runs its course through me
I feel the infection spread through my body and take over my being.
So much more than mere infirmity
This sickness is more than just a physical ailment, it also affects me mentally and emotionally.
When the throat closes of its own will
I feel a tightness in my throat that restricts my ability to breathe and speak.
I can't laugh, I can't breathe, I am still
My illness has made it difficult to find joy, breathe properly, and be active.
Be my healer; please don't leave me here
I am pleading for someone to help me heal and not abandon me in my time of need.
Beneath the storm cloud and heavy atmosphere
I am consumed by a dark, heavy feeling, like being under a storm cloud.
Someone find me
I am searching for someone to help me.
Someone cure me
I hope to find someone who can heal my sickness.
If I'm not too sick to cure
I am unsure if my illness is too far gone or if there is still hope for me to heal.
Medicate me
I am asking for medication to help alleviate my symptoms.
Moderate me
I seek balance and stability in my health.
So that I can try once more
I hope to regain my strength and have the opportunity to try again.
Tried to sit up in bed, was too weak
I attempted to sit up in bed, but my body was too exhausted.
Tried to form the right words, tried to speak
I struggled to form coherent sentences and communicate effectively.
I can listen and I can see a bit
Although I am sick, I am still able to perceive my surroundings and hear what's going on.
You can touch me if you don't mind it
I am okay with being touched if it doesn't aggravate my illness.
Tried to give to the world, only took
I wanted to contribute and give to society, but instead I ended up taking from it due to my sickness.
Tried to keep courage strong, but it shook
I attempted to remain courageous and not give up, but my illness made that difficult.
Never told you what it's like to shout
I never expressed what it feels like to be in pain and desperately need help.
And sterile silence is all that comes out
Whenever I try to speak up, my voice is weak and nothing but silence comes out.
Contributed by London L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.