Slipknot

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Let's skip all the histrionics
Not again, not another excuse
The epidemic is codependent
Biting off more than your mouth can chew

Don't forget to convalesce your secrets
I don't wanna be a man today
For all that you know I'm the silver in the bullet
I am the trigger that will make you all obey

I'm going to make you cry tonight
I'm going to make you hate me

[Chorus]
Inside all my flaws again, I can't let go
In spite of you, I'm lost again, I still don't know
Disguises show me what am I if I am only
The status quo is not a punishment, but now it feels like home

[Verse 2]
Your association finds you guilty
Started with the end of the day
Black and white is such a fascist feeling
Right or wrong, and nothing to say
See Slipknot LiveGet tickets as low as $74You might also likeThe last good bipeds cleaning up the fingerprints
Unappreciated medical fiends
Confiscate another classic inbred
Fuck it all, light the acetylene

No other choice, I can't explain
Life keeps taking things away

[Chorus]
Inside all my flaws again, I can't let go
In spite of you, I'm lost again, I still don't know
Disguises show me what am I if I am only
The status quo is not a punishment, but now it feels like home

[Bridge]
The tough guys who came to kill
But stayed to rape and ravage

[Verse 3]
The future's here, I'm past my prime
When the evidence came, I committed the crime
Can you stand on your faith with your feet on the Bible?
Who could ask for a better disciple?

What's the point? I'm not sure I can
I'll never dig another grave, I'm afraid of what I'll find
If it hurts, then you're too old
I'll take your shit and give you fucking gold
I'm gonna make you cry tonight
I need you to hate me

[Chorus]
Inside all my flaws again, I can't let go
In spite of you, I'm lost again, I still don't know
Disguises show me what am I if I am only
The status quo is not a punishment, but now it feels like home
But now it feels like home

If there is one band renowned for terrifying live performances, then Slipknot is it. Their music has provided a voice for the angry and disaffected since the late 90s. Their single "Nomadic" is yet another perfect example of the band's recognition of issues that plague society and the music scene today. The song is the 9th track on Slipknot’s 2014 album, .5: The Gray Chapter, which received critical acclaim as the band learned to cope with the pain caused by the death of bassist Paul Gray, who died of a drug overdose in 2010.

About Nomadic

"Nomadic" by Slipknot is a song that explores the themes of anger, repression, and the fake bravado put up by young men in response to situations that are troubling. The song is the aftermath of "Goodbye," the preceding track on ".5: The Gray Chapter," where anger starts to take over. By contrast, the song "Nomadic" is frenzied and aggressive, painting a picture of a strong, dominant, and masculine society that doesn't exist. Slipknot's lead vocalist, Corey Taylor, has been vocal about the song, revealing during an interview with Kerrang! Magazine that "Nomadic" is the outcome of repression, the aggressiveness that stems from suppression, especially of emotions like sadness and pain.

In the same interview, Taylor mentions that "Nomadic" explores the idea of men pretending they don't cry in front of their peers, before succumbing to their pain and resorting to violence. The lyrics of the song are angry, and the riffs and drumming give them weight and create an atmosphere of anger and frustration that anyone who listens to hardcore music can relate to. The song is raw, unforgiving, and brilliantly executed.

It is safe to say that Slipknot has poured all their emotions into this track. You hear those emotions in the lyrics, the delivery, and the instrumentals. The song is hard-hitting, channeling every ounce of the band’s angst and energy into it. The song's message couldn't be more relevant today, as young men struggle to control their feelings, not showing 'weakness' or vulnerability.

Slipknot's intent for the song was clear - to explore the emotional fear men experience when the threat to their masculinity arises.

The song's strenuous nature could be overwhelming, but it is the music's strength, demanding the listener’s attention. Slipknot's fans might find the song's brutality lack variety, but they miss the point that the song is suppose to communicate - the overwhelming circumstances that push men to the edge. The song is an assertion of Slipknot's aggression and power. It is hard to decipher on first listen but gets better with each subsequent listen as you gain a deeper appreciation for it.

Bottomline

The song "Nomadic" is a product of decades of punk, metal and devil-may-care attitude that Slipknot is famous for. It is a song that is unapologetically aggressive, tackling today's societal norms that dictate how men should be and how they should act. Slipknot has used "Nomadic" to create a gripping and visceral portrayal of suppressed emotions exploding into a frighteningly violent scene. In its own right, it is a work of art that encapsulates the band's talent, both musically and lyrically. It's a song that even a casual Slipknot fan can appreciate for the bone-crunching guitar work, baleful lyrics, and brain-bashing percussion. It's a song that speaks to those looking for an outlet to push back the overwhelming pain caused by society's expectations, clinging to the first signs of freedom, and standing up against the chaos.

• Release Date: October 15, 2014
• Artist: Slipknot