While She Sleeps are generally recognized by professional reviewers as metallic hardcore. Personally citing hard rock and heavy metal bands such as; Thrice, Slipknot, Foo Fighters, Underoath, Refused, Comeback Kid, Gallows and Alexisonfire as musical influences. The band's sound typically features heavily down-tuned guitars, thick bass tones, screaming vocals and fast-paced drumming – occasionally complimented by melodic guitar tones and piano interludes. When questioned about the progression between their debut mini-album and their latest album, guitarist Welsh said that they have not changed their sound drastically. Saying that; "it's super heavy but then it's melodic too," suggesting that they have worked to their strengths while challenging themselves.
Our Courage Our Cancer
While She Sleeps Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If this was your last chance to say what you needed to and give them every
Thought in a verse.
Could you stomach the hurt?
Could you stomach the healing word?
From hospitals to honesty and everything that you need of me, I'll be there
My inspiration, My guidance, My home
We think of you with love and speak of you with pride,
I will try to live without you by my side,
I will look up to the stars, so you will forever see, the best part of you
Still lives in me,
The north stands for nothing, the true and the trusting,
The east's everlasting, the cracked and the rusting,
The south is the salt that will seal your sores,
The west is the weakness, the strength to defeat us.
The time took for granted, the before and the after,
For question and your answers, our courage, our cancer.
The song "Our Courage, Our Cancer" by While She Sleeps can be interpreted as a tribute to a loved one who has been diagnosed with cancer. The lyrics convey the message of being there for the person, through difficult times and providing them with everything they need. The line "from hospitals to honesty and everything you need of me, I'll be there" implies that the writer is willing to be with the person through the tough times, no matter what it takes.
The writer then poses a question, "If this was your last chance to say what you needed to and give them every thought in verse. Could you stomach the hurt? Could you stomach the healing word?" It alludes to the idea of death, and the writer wonders if the person would be able to handle the pain and hurt of goodbyes. The following lines show a deep sense of affection towards the person, portraying them as an inspiration, guidance, and home.
The song also mentions the four cardinal directions, each representing different qualities. The 'North' is referred to as standing for nothing. The 'East' is described as everlasting, and the 'South' is regarded as the salt that seals sores. The 'West' is the weakness that provides strength to defeat oneself. The song uses these directions to metaphorically explain how cancer has affected the person, and how they have dealt with it spiritually.
Overall, the song expresses the grief, love, and the ultimate strength one gains when faced with cancer. It provides a beautiful picture of how we can be there for our loved ones in their times of need.
Line by Line Meaning
From hospitals to honesty and everything you need of me, I'll be there
I'm willing to be there for you no matter what, whether you're in a hospital or just need honest support.
If this was your last chance to say what you needed to and give them every Thought in a verse.
If this was your final opportunity to speak your mind, would you be brave enough to share everything that's on your mind?
Could you stomach the hurt?
Are you capable of enduring the pain that comes with opening up emotionally to someone?
Could you stomach the healing word?
Are you able to accept words of comfort and healing?
From hospitals to honesty and everything that you need of me, I'll be there
I'm willing to support you through everything, including the more difficult moments that require vulnerability and honesty.
My inspiration, My guidance, My home
You are everything to me - my source of inspiration, guidance, and comfort.
We think of you with love and speak of you with pride,
You are constantly in our thoughts, and we speak of you with admiration and respect.
Does your heart pull on your throat like mine?
Do you feel the same sense of emotional weight on your chest that I do?
I will try to live without you by my side,
Although it will be difficult, I will do my best to go on without you physically present in my life.
I will look up to the stars, so you will forever see, the best part of you
Still lives in me,
I will continue to honor your memory and keep the best parts of you alive in my heart.
The north stands for nothing, the true and the trusting,
The east's everlasting, the cracked and the rusting,
The south is the salt that will seal your sores,
The west is the weakness, the strength to defeat us.
These four directions represent different aspects of life and human experience, including trust, endurance, healing, and strength - they are all interconnected and important.
The time took for granted, the before and the after,
For question and your answers, our courage, our cancer.
Time moves quickly and we never know what life will throw our way. Despite the unknown, we choose to be brave in the face of obstacles and challenges.
Contributed by Mia O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Im Tenths
From hospitals to honesty and everything you need of me, I'll be there
If this was your last chance to say what you needed to and give them every
Thought in a verse.
Could you stomach the hurt?
Could you stomach the healing word?
From hospitals to honesty and everything that you need of me, I'll be there
My inspiration, My guidance, My home
We think of you with love and speak of you with pride,
Does your heart pull on your throat like mine?
I will try to live without you by my side,
I will look up to the stars, so you will forever see, the best part of you
Still lives in me,
The north stands for nothing, the true and the trusting,
The east's everlasting, the cracked and the rusting,
The south is the salt that will seal your sores,
The west is the weakness, the strength to defeat us.
The time took for granted, the before and the after,
For question and your answers, our courage, our cancer.
Im Tenths
From hospitals to honesty and everything you need of me, I'll be there
If this was your last chance to say what you needed to and give them every
Thought in a verse.
Could you stomach the hurt?
Could you stomach the healing word?
From hospitals to honesty and everything that you need of me, I'll be there
My inspiration, My guidance, My home
We think of you with love and speak of you with pride,
Does your heart pull on your throat like mine?
I will try to live without you by my side,
I will look up to the stars, so you will forever see, the best part of you
Still lives in me,
The north stands for nothing, the true and the trusting,
The east's everlasting, the cracked and the rusting,
The south is the salt that will seal your sores,
The west is the weakness, the strength to defeat us.
The time took for granted, the before and the after,
For question and your answers, our courage, our cancer.
Tom Williams
My grandfather was my hero and he died from cancer 3 years ago today. I listen to this song on repeat every anniversary.
mixedby20three
He’s always watching over you
redd halo
Okay ... so dont Chase Clout. Especially over a Dead Man's name, more if he's ur Grandfather. Go make a name of urself and make the men around you proud. More importantly go make ur self Proud.im not trying to be mean... im just simply showing you Love. Im sorry for UR Lose, really I do.
White Rabbit
@redd halo clout? You really think he’s trying to get clout over a YouTube comment on a non mainstream band music video?
Babette Zimmermann
Lost my mum this year by cancer. She was only 56 years old. Thank you for this song. Helps me so much.
tristananvilcaster
One of the most talented bands
UltiraT
***** cool
patrick cruz
damn they are so good not all like shitty hardcore bands out there these guys are different they will get the recognition they deserve someday.
David Sol
I agree, they are so underrated, hopefully the new record will give them the spot light