Slipknot

Lyrics

[Intro: Shawn Crahan]
This song is not for the living
This song is for the dead

[Verse: Corey Taylor]
With my face against the floor
I can't see who knocked me out of the way
I don't want to get back up
But I have to, so it might as well be today
Nothing appeals to me, no one feels like me
I'm too busy being calm to disappear
I'm in no shape to be alone
Contrary to the shit that you might hear

[Chorus: Corey Taylor]
So walk with me, walk with me
Don't let this symbolism kill your heart
Walk with me, walk with me
Just like we should've done right from the start
Walk with me, walk with me
Don't let this fucking world tear you apartSee Slipknot LiveGet tickets as low as $74

Get ready to headbang because we’re about to dive into the opening track of Slipknot’s 5th album, .5: The Gray Chapter. “XIX” sets the dark and melancholic tone for the rest of the album, as it was the first album released by the band following the death of bassist Paul Gray in 2010 and the departure of drummer Joey Jordison in 2013. Slipknot fans know that the band is not one to shy away from the heavy stuff, and “XIX” is no different in terms of the message it conveys.

About XIX

Released in 2014, “XIX” is a song that takes a deep dive into the band's emotional turmoil brought about by the death of their bandmate, Paul Gray. Corey Taylor's lyrics are introspective and emotional, as he grapples with the idea of losing someone close to him. “XIX” is a perfect choice for an opening track as it sets the mood for the entire album, letting the listener know that the journey they are about to embark on is going to be a dark and emotional one.

What’s unique about “XIX” is the use of a droning bagpipe, which adds depth and a somber touch to the song. It's a riff that's wonderfully creepy and harmonious, one that adds to the overall atmosphere of the track. It's rare to hear a bagpipe included in a metal song, but Slipknot pulls it off with great success. It’s almost as if they’re paying their final respects to their former bandmate Paul Gray through the use of this instrument.

The song’s title, "XIX," is derived from the Roman numerals for 19, Paul Gray's assigned number in the Slipknot lineup. This line-up was often referred to as "The Nine" because there were nine members, with each member assigned a number. The emotional significance of this detail cannot be overstated - it's a clear tribute to the late bassist, cementing his legacy in the group's history and the emotional significance of his loss

The song focuses on the idea of inner turmoil and losing oneself to the darkness, all while trying to appear strong on the outside. The lyrics, "Send away my dead, bury all my dead/And lay me down to rest, this time I'll finally bleed" are powerful and speak to the idea of coping with loss, and ultimately giving in to grief. The lyrics are accompanied by the droning bagpipe, which could be interpreted as the voice of the deceased, pulling the protagonist further into darkness, leaving them alone and in despair.

Slipknot has always been unapologetically honest with their music, and “XIX” is a great example of this. This is not a happy song; in fact, it's quite the opposite. It's a crushing and honest portrayal of grief and loss. The bagpipe adds an extra layer of depth that really brings the song together as a whole. The song, along with the rest of .5: The Gray Chapter, is a reflection of the pain that has befallen the band and the journey they've gone through to copewith it.

If you’re looking for an emotional and introspective track that doesn’t hold back, “XIX” is the perfect choice. It’s a song that showcases Slipknot’s ability to seamlessly navigate their way through deep emotions while still delivering powerful, bone-crushing metal.

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