Friday, August 6, 2010

postheadericon Skillet: More than just a cuisine appliance

If you desire music that’s function is inspiration enclosed with influential harmony however, still possesses a post grunge status, then Skillet ticks all your boxes. Skillet is a Christian Rock band that invites society to reflect upon the means which the lyrics creatively discusses contemporary issues. This was greatly promoted in the award winning record ‘Comatose’ in which John Cooper, lead singer/guitarist reflected upon personal experiences to form the roots of the single most successful album in the current Christian market. ‘Rebirthing’ and ‘The Last Night’ are songs that considerably helped to shape the album by explicitly underpinning the context of the issues and how they position both Christian and Non-Christian listeners.

In general, the lyrics promote a Christian ideology which in turn supports a base of attitudes, values and beliefs that are shared by all Christians however many Non-Christians are also able to reflect upon these ideals. John Cooper was raised in an exceptionally strict family. He was not allowed to listen to music with drums or guitars, nor was he permitted to wear the colour black or grow his hair long. This is clearly one of the largest influences on the music that he has written. As a Christian, he discovered that the Bible does not condemn the things that his parents prevented him from doing, and he desired to follow God rather than follow his parents. John went against his parents will and formed the band Skillet in a garage in his home town of Memphis, Tennessee in 1989. A correlation between John Cooper’s personal experiences and his music is clearly evident. The song “The Last Night” refers to depression. The song was written to assure people that they are not alone in their suffering. Depression is an issue that is relevant to just about everyone. In a lifetime, a majority of people will have some form of depression. One of the verses in this song undoubtedly refers to John’s upbringing.

Your parents say everything is your fault
But they don't know you like I know you they don't know you at all
I'm so sick of when they say
It's just a phase, you'll be okay. You’re fine
But I know it's a lie.

His parents were oblivious to all of his problems in life. This is expressed in the lyrics: ‘It’s just a phase, you’ll be okay’. 
This is an issue that countless teenagers face today.

The last night raised many debatable interpretations regarding the true meaning of the song however, during an interview; Skillet confirmed that the true purpose behind the lyrics is indeed an assurance towards people with depression that they are not alone.

Rebirthing is yet another of Skillets greatest hits. The mix of a symphonic musical arrangement with a contemporary rock theme creates a unique style of music which helps shape the deep and meaningful lyrics.
Rebirthing focuses on one of the most relevant issues that society has ever faced: The act of remorseful change in life. Too often, people choose to live with their personal issues rather than strive to become a better individual. The lyrics encourage and endorse the listeners to accept that no human is perfect although we should all embrace second chances no matter how many times we fail to live good lives.
The artist uses metaphors to express how he feels that there is a better way to live.

I lie here lifeless in this cocoon
Shedding my skin cause I’m ready to
I wanna break out
I found a way out
I don’t believe that it’s gotta be this way
The worst is the waiting 
In this womb I’m suffocating

The listeners are encouraged to take up a reflective position due to the immense relevance to which the issue has in all our lives. The style of the music attacks the listener’s emotions causing Goosebumps and affects the brain, making it easier to feel a sense of appreciation towards the way that this song mirrors our lives.

The Last Night and Rebirthing are perfect examples of astounding songs that Skillet has created in reflection of personal experiences. The issues that they regard are common issues hence the listeners are all able to reflect upon the music in order to deal with their own personal problems. With the release of the Comatose album, Skillet has indeed taken music to a whole new level.

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