The Beltsville Crucible
Thrice Lyrics


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True friends stab you in the front
Keep you from getting what you want
When one more fix could kill you
They help you realize that

You're more and less than you first had believed
You've so much to give and there's so much you need
Shortcuts through graveyards and a brand new way to breathe
Three thousand miles just to learn,
All that's gold does not all shine
And helping words aren't always kind,
When one more kiss could kill you,
They help you realize that

You're more and less than you first had believed
You've so much to give and there's so much you need
Shortcuts through graveyards and a brand new way to breathe
Three thousand miles just to learn.

How to let my guard down
Accept the fire that has spread among us.
And if you're feeling all right,




You've got to play it again,
You've got to play it again.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Thrice's song "The Beltsville Crucible" capture the complexities of friendship and addiction. The opening lines, "True friends stab you in the front, Keep you from getting what you want," suggest that true friends are not afraid to confront you when you are headed down the wrong path, even if it means causing you pain. The next lines, "When one more fix could kill you, They help you realize that," depict the role that friends play in helping addicts to recognize the destructive nature of their addiction.


As the song progresses, the lyrics deepen in meaning. The lines, "You're more and less than you first had believed, You've so much to give and there's so much you need," indicate that self-realization is a crucial component of personal growth. The image of taking "Shortcuts through graveyards and a brand new way to breathe" conveys the idea that growth and change can be difficult and painful.


Finally, the chorus brings the message of the song into focus: "How to let my guard down, Accept the fire that has spread among us." The idea is that letting go of one's defenses and accepting the help and support of others is essential to overcoming addiction and achieving personal growth.


Overall, "The Beltsville Crucible" is a powerful exploration of the human psyche, examining the ways in which people can both help and harm each other in the process of healing.


Line by Line Meaning

True friends stab you in the front
Real friends are honest with you directly, even if it hurts.


Keep you from getting what you want
They want to keep you from potential harm or danger, even if it means you don't get what you think you want.


When one more fix could kill you
When you're in a fragile or dangerous place, they'll be there to stop you from going over the edge.


They help you realize that
Their honesty and directness helps you see the situation more clearly and assess the risk.


You're more and less than you first had believed
You're more capable and have more potential than you thought, but you're also more vulnerable and in need of help than you may have realized.


You've so much to give and there's so much you need
You have a lot to offer the world, but there are also things you must rely on others for in order to achieve your goals.


Shortcuts through graveyards and a brand new way to breathe
There's a quicker, easier way through life, but it's risky and could lead you to a dark place, or you can take a new approach and find a renewed sense of purpose.


Three thousand miles just to learn,
Sometimes we have to go far away from what we know to gain perspective.


All that's gold does not all shine
Not everything that looks good or promising is necessarily worth pursuing or helpful for our well-being.


And helping words aren't always kind,
Sometimes the truth hurts or is uncomfortable, even though it's intended to be helpful.


How to let my guard down
Learning how to be vulnerable and open to others.


Accept the fire that has spread among us.
Embracing a shared passion or energy that has brought people together, even if it feels overwhelming or dangerous.


And if you're feeling all right,
If things seem to be looking up and you're feeling good,


You've got to play it again,
You have to keep pushing forward and try again.


You've got to play it again.
You have to keep putting in effort and striving for your goals, because success is not always guaranteed.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DUSTIN MICHAEL KENSRUE, EDWARD CARRINGTON BRECKENRIDGE, JAMES RILEY BRECKENRIDGE, TEPPEI TERANISHI

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@Dsurfryder252

true friends stab you in the front
keep you from getting what you want
when one more fix could kill you
they help you realize that

you're more and less than you first had believed
you've so much to give and there's so much you need
shortcuts through graveyards and a brand new way to breathe
three thousand miles just to learn,

all that's gold does not all shine...
and helping words aren't always kind,
when one more kiss could kill you,
they help you realize that

you're more and less than you first had believed
you've so much to give and there's so much you need
shortcuts through graveyards and a brand new way to breathe
three thousand miles just to learn.

how to let my guard down
accept the fire has spread among us.
and if you're feeling all right,
you've got to play it again,
you've got to play it again



All comments from YouTube:

@awebs047

One of my top favorite songs from Thrice. I remember buying this shit brand new from circuit city on a Tuesday. Yeeup, truth.

@cowboypenguin

CompUSA, get on my level son!

@XViTNg

I can’t tell you how many times I put on 11-12-13 on this album.
The last three songs of this record could each individually be great closing songs for the album.

@tenson95

You've got to play it again...

@enfinite05

last minute of the song is amazing!

@XViTNg

Agreed. Honesty. The last three tracks on this album would all be great closing songs. But together they make the most epic last few songs.

@sarahsmatter1160

I had this album on repeat in high school all because at the end they told me to play it again

@ChristianDesmarais

@@sarahsmatter1160 🤣😂

@Yankeesfan4ever100

This was uploaded on my 16th birthday!

@blanket101

I LOVE THIS SONG man fucken thrice!!!

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