Fronted by Timm McIntosh, formerly of TRIAL (Equal Vision Records) and CHAMPION (Bridge 9 Records), WAIT IN VAIN has a voice that has been a part of the uprise, continuation, and return of Seattle Straight Edge hardcore. Lyrically, the band unleashes an intelligent onslaught of messages covering many social and political issues with an emphasis on self-reliance and a need for action toward an uncaring world. With Roger Kilburn (LOVE IS RED / SINKING SHIPS) and Chris Jacobsen (SET YOUR GOALS) on guitars, WAIT IN VAIN is driven by dynamic musicianship which sets them apart from many of the run-of-the-mill acts in hardcore today. Drums on "Seasons" were tracked by Alexei Rodriguez who is known from his work with TRIAL (Equal Vision Records) and WALLS OF JERICHO (Trustkill Records).
All of the "ex-member" sugar coating aside, WAIT IN VAIN makes it known to everyone, no matter if you're familiar with the members' past or not, that they have a grasp on hardcore music and culture.
Not only have the members been a part of some of the most influential hardcore bands of the last 15 years, but WAIT IN VAIN proves their work is far from over. See for yourself on July 8th, 2008 when "Seasons," the debut full length from WAIT IN VAIN, is released by Think Fast! Records.
The Fix
Wait in Vain Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The lyrics of Wait in Vain's song, "The Fix," appear to be describing the initial rush of a drug addiction. The opening lines speak to the unbelievable feeling of being on a high like never before, and feeling untouchable. The way the drug or the dealer paints the pictures to distort the user's view is another clear indication of drug addiction. The user is aware that they've been drawn into the addiction and they've been hooked so that they cannot break free.
The following lines convey the desperation of the addict. The user is shaking, sweating, and dying, desperate for just a little bit to keep them going, to keep them as a friend. The use of the phrase, "one, two, three words," signifies that the user needs the dealer to provide them with only a small amount of the drug to keep them hooked. The tug of war between addiction and the user trying to resist is described in the line, "to bring me back to the floor." However, the user is aware of their need for the drug and is willing to endure the pain to get more.
Towards the end of the lyrics, the user recognizes that they should end the story and try to break free of the addiction, but they are aware that they cannot manage it alone. They admit to lying to themselves and their dealer that they don't need the drug. Overall, the song paints a vivid picture of the intense struggle of drug addiction, the desperation to continue and the knowledge that it is ruining their lives.
Line by Line Meaning
The rush so unbelievable, I'm on a high like I've never felt before, untouchable
I am experiencing an intense feeling like never before that makes me feel powerful and invincible.
the way you paint the pictures to distort my view
You are manipulating me by presenting a false and skewed portrayal of reality.
they've tapped the right vein and now you've got me hooked, tie me off, I'm shaking, sweating, dying
You have found a way to exploit my vulnerabilities, and now I am addicted, desperately needing your fix to survive.
give me a little bit to get me back up to speed, just enough to keep me a friend
I realize that I am being used, but I am willing to accept a small dose of your poison to maintain the friendship between us.
one, two, three words are just the beginning of the tug of war to bring me back to the floor
Your words have a powerful effect on me, and it only takes a few to sway me back to your grasp, even though it hurts me in the end.
you're running your course and I'm your... you'll take all that you've given
You are in control of this situation, and I am at your mercy, willingly handing over everything I have to appease you.
but the pain isn't enough to keep me from wanting more, tie me off, I'm shaking, sweating, dying
Despite the negative consequences of this addiction, I cannot resist the urge to seek out more of your toxic influence on my life.
this is where the story should end, you'll see right through me as I try to pretend
I know that this situation is unsustainable and that I am being dishonest with myself and you about the nature of our relationship.
that I've lied to you and I've lied to myself when I tell you that I don't need you...
Even though I know that this is a bad situation and that I am being manipulated, I cannot bring myself to admit that I do not need you, and I will continue to seek out your harmful influence despite the consequences.
Contributed by Kaelyn E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.