1)The Ruins was conceived in 20… Read Full Bio ↴There are three bands with this name
1)The Ruins was conceived in 2003 as a project which would intend to combine the brutality and savagery of death and black metal with a more emotional and melancholic style, explored through the use of layer-based structures and melodic shapes.
2)The Ruins are a 5 piece punk rock beat combo from WPB, a town commonly referred to as the Narnia of S. Fla Punk Rock. That makes them the wizards of S.F.H.C. Like the Wizards of Yore, they are old and have gnarly, special powers. Individually, each member was a formidable rock mage, but when they joined forces in 2006, they became an unstoppable force, campaigning for what’s right and good: namely, drugs, prostitution, Nascar, & macramé owls.
3) A side project of Perpetual Groove front man, Brock Butler. Featuring keyboardist John Hruby (formerly of Guest, currently Perpetual Groove), drummer Trakis Kline (formerly of Capt. Soularcat, and bass player Adam Perry (Perpetual Groove). The Ruins have not performed live together since John Hruby joined Perpetual Groove in 2008.
4) the ruins
Monument
the ruins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So many looked to you
And we aspired just to be just like you
Leading the way, showing us that we can make a difference
No matter what we believe
And time told another tale
We felt safe behind these walls
Behind the smoldering heap there was every dark thought waiting
I've watched our hero's die
They're all wasting away
We carry the burdens
Following the steps of martyrs
Knowing there's strength beyond comprehension
When we look to the stars
Even when all hope is lost
We'll let the idols die
A heap of ash can tell us the story
Life lesson I learned the hard way
No matter what, you're bound to be let down
Your hands are soiled with contempt for us
Bitterness can be a poison the monuments are sure to sing
Even what was a symbol of principle
Is now an icon corrupting
But like anything else time wastes away
The monuments are sure to see
A fate they cannot escape
You tried to tell us what to say
But your words carry no weight
The disgust you have
For those you were supposed to speak for
Is now showing
Is now showing
You carry the image
But aren't the voice
We are the ones you loathe
We carry the burdens
Following the steps of martyrs
Knowing there's strength beyond comprehension
And we'll look to the stars
Even when all hope is lost
We'll let the idols die
Your poisonous heart will corrupt no more
Damnatio Memoriae
Dishonest
Hypocrite
Dishonest
Hypocrite
But I know of a day where solace is found
And there you'll return to ash
And all will see the wind carry you away
You will return to ash
"Monument" by The Ruins is a song that delves into the disillusionment and disappointment one experiences when their idols or role models turn out to be flawed or corrupt. The lyrics reflect on the initial admiration and idolization of someone who was once looked up to as a leader or inspiration. The first paragraph talks about how many people aspired to be like this person, believing that they could make a difference regardless of their own beliefs.
However, as time went on, cracks began to show in the idol's facade. The second paragraph suggests that the originally admired person or institution has become decayed and corrupt. Behind the walls of their image lies a dark reality, and the once revered heroes are now wasting away. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for the disillusionment and disappointment one feels when their idols or role models reveal their true nature, one that goes against the principles they were supposed to represent.
Despite this disappointment, the lyrics assert that there is still a path forward. The burden is now on the listeners, who will carry the weight left behind by the fallen idols and follow the path of the martyrs who came before them. The notions of strength and hope, represented by looking to the stars, are emphasized. Even when all hope seems lost, the listeners will let the idols die and find strength in their own resolve.
The third paragraph highlights the corrupt nature of the idol, suggesting that their hands are stained with contempt for those they are supposed to represent. Bitterness has seeped into the monuments and symbols that were once seen as principled, tarnishing their significance. The passage of time is acknowledged as inevitable decay that the monuments cannot escape. The idol's attempts to communicate and influence are dismissed, as their words no longer hold any weight.
In the final paragraph, the song takes a turn towards resolution and solace. The corrupt idol's poisonous heart will corrupt no more. The Latin phrase "Damnatio Memoriae" is used, which means "condemnation of memory." This suggests that the memory of the corrupted idol will be erased and forgotten. The lyrics express a sense of relief, as the idol will return to ash and be carried away by the wind. This signifies a release from the disillusionment and disappointment, and the potential for rebirth and a fresh start.
Line by Line Meaning
Started so long ago
This began many years ago, a tale that has stood the test of time
So many looked to you
Countless individuals admired and idolized you
And we aspired just to be just like you
We longed to emulate you, to possess your qualities and achievements
Leading the way, showing us that we can make a difference
You guided us and proved that our actions have the power to create change
No matter what we believe
Regardless of our individual beliefs and perspectives
And time told another tale
As time passed, a different story unfolded
We felt safe behind these walls
We found security within these boundaries
Your foundations started to crack, years of decay
The fundamental principles upon which you stood began to deteriorate over time
Behind the smoldering heap there was every dark thought waiting
Behind the ruins and remnants, lay all the negative and disturbing thoughts that were concealed
I've watched our hero's die
I have witnessed our heroes fade away, losing their essence
They're all wasting away
They are all deteriorating and diminishing
We carry the burdens
We shoulder the heavy loads and responsibilities
Following the steps of martyrs
We follow in the footsteps of those who sacrificed for a cause
Knowing there's strength beyond comprehension
Understanding that there exists immeasurable strength within us
When we look to the stars
When we gaze at the heavens
Even when all hope is lost
Even in the darkest moments when hope seems absent
We'll let the idols die
We will allow the former icons and idols to fade away
A heap of ash can tell us the story
A pile of ash can reveal the narrative and lessons learned
Life lesson I learned the hard way
I gained wisdom through difficult experiences and personal struggles
No matter what, you're bound to be let down
Regardless of the circumstances, disappointment is inevitable
Your hands are soiled with contempt for us
Your actions and intentions are tainted with disdain towards us
Bitterness can be a poison the monuments are sure to sing
Bitterness can seep into our creations and lead to their downfall, as the monuments will lament
Even what was a symbol of principle
Even something that was once a representation of moral values
Is now an icon corrupting
Has now become a corrupted and influencing symbol
But like anything else time wastes away
Just like anything else, time erodes and diminishes
The monuments are sure to see
The monuments will undoubtedly witness
A fate they cannot escape
A destiny from which they cannot elude
You tried to tell us what to say
You attempted to dictate our words and thoughts
But your words carry no weight
However, your words hold no significance or influence
The disgust you have
The repulsion you harbor
For those you were supposed to speak for
Towards those whom you were meant to advocate
Is now showing
Is now becoming apparent and visible
You carry the image
You possess the external representation
But aren't the voice
But lack the true authority and persuasive power
We are the ones you loathe
We are the individuals whom you despise and detest
Your poisonous heart will corrupt no more
Your toxic and damaging nature will no longer cause harm
Damnatio Memoriae
The condemnation of memory, erasing all remembrance
Dishonest
Deceitful and untruthful
Hypocrite
One who professes beliefs and values but acts in contradiction to them
But I know of a day where solace is found
However, I am aware of a future day when comfort and peace will be discovered
And there you'll return to ash
And it is there that you will transform back into ashes
And all will see the wind carry you away
And everyone will witness the breeze whisking you off
You will return to ash
You will revert to being mere ashes
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Ivar Kalaczuk
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind