Kittie, a Canadian all-female heavy metal band, released their debut album “Spit” in 2000, which featured their first single “Brackish”. The song became a hit and helped the band gain international recognition. “Brackish” showcases the aggressive sound and powerful lyrics that Kittie is known for. But what does the song really mean? In this article, we will explore the meaning behind the song “Brackish”.
Table of Contents
The Lyrics
First, let’s take a look at the lyrics of the song.
“I will not be forgotten
This is my time to shine
I’ve got the scars to prove it
Only the strong survive
I’m not afraid of dying
Everyone has their time
Life never favored weakness
Welcome to the pride”
The chorus goes:
“Do you know what it feels like
To be alive
To be alive
To feel the Brackish bite?”
Interpretation
At first listen, the lyrics may sound like the typical heavy metal song about strength and overcoming obstacles. However, a closer look at the lyrics reveals a deeper meaning.
The lyrics suggest that the singer is speaking from a position of power and confidence. They have been through tough times and have the scars to prove it. The singer is proud of their strength and is not afraid of death. They also mention that life doesn’t favor weakness, implying that people need to be strong to survive.
The chorus is a bit more abstract, but it could be interpreted as the singer asking the listener if they know what it feels like to truly be alive, to feel the bite of the ocean’s brackish water. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for feeling alive and experiencing all of the ups and downs that life has to offer.
The Inspiration
In interviews, Kittie’s lead vocalist, Morgan Lander, has revealed that the song was inspired by a childhood memory. Lander grew up in Ontario, Canada, which has a lot of lakes and rivers. She remembers swimming in one of those lakes and feeling a sharp pain on her skin. She swam out and found that she had been bitten by a small fish known as a brackish. The experience was painful but also exhilarating, and it stuck with her.
Lander said in an interview, “It was a really intense memory that I had, and it felt like a good metaphor for all the things – that sting of life, the struggle, and the pain that goes along with it, but also the beauty in it. It’s about living life to the fullest and experiencing everything it has to offer.”
The Band’s Message
“Brackish” is a representation of Kittie’s message as a band. They are all about empowerment, strength, and overcoming adversity. They want to inspire their fans to be confident and proud of themselves, even if they have been through tough times.
The band’s message is especially impactful considering the fact that they were a group of teenage girls when they first burst onto the scene. They were often met with skepticism and criticism in a male-dominated industry, but they never let that get in the way of their message.
In an interview with Blabbermouth.net, Lander said, “We’re just trying to empower people, especially young women, and let them know that they don’t have to fit into any certain mold. If they’re feeling angry or different or misunderstood, it’s okay. We’re here to say, ‘It’s okay to be like that. You don’t have to change yourself for anyone.'”
FAQs
What is a brackish?
A brackish is a small, freshwater fish that can also survive in saltwater. They are known to bite humans who swim in the same water as their habitat.
What is the significance of the scars mentioned in the lyrics?
The scars mentioned in the lyrics could represent physical or emotional scars that the singer has acquired through life experiences. They are proud of these scars as they have helped shape who they are.
What is the meaning behind the line “life never favored weakness”?
This line implies that in order to survive and succeed in life, one must be strong and resilient. Weakness is not favored or rewarded in this context.
What is the significance of the dragonfly on the single’s cover art?
The dragonfly is often seen as a symbol of transformation and change. It could represent the changes that the band was going through at the time of the song’s release.
What inspired Kittie’s empowering message as a band?
Being a group of teenage girls in a male-dominated industry, Kittie faced a lot of skepticism and criticism. They wanted to empower other young women and let them know that it’s okay to be angry, different, or misunderstood.
What is the band’s overall message?
Kittie’s message is one of empowerment, strength, and overcoming adversity. They want to inspire their fans, especially young women, to be confident and proud of themselves.
What impact did “Brackish” have on Kittie’s career?
“Brackish” helped Kittie gain international recognition and success. It became one of their most popular songs and helped pave the way for their future albums.
What other songs by Kittie are worth listening to?
Other popular songs by Kittie include “Charlotte”, “What I Always Wanted”, and “Into the Darkness”.
What genre is Kittie considered?
Kittie is considered a heavy metal band, but their sound can also be described as nu-metal, alternative metal, and metalcore.
Did Kittie ever face any challenges as an all-female band?
Yes, Kittie faced a lot of criticism and skepticism as an all-female band in a male-dominated industry. They were often judged more harshly than their male counterparts and had to fight for recognition and respect.
Are any of the original members still in the band?
Kittie has had several lineup changes over the years, but Morgan Lander (vocals/guitar) and Mercedes Lander (drums) have been with the band since its inception.
What are Kittie’s most successful albums?
Kittie’s most successful albums are “Spit” (2000) and “Oracle” (2001). “Spit” featured “Brackish” and helped the band gain international recognition. “Oracle” debuted at number 57 on the US Billboard 200 chart.
What message does “Brackish” have for today’s society?
“Brackish” still has relevance today as it encourages people to be strong and resilient in the face of adversity. It reminds us that we all have the power to overcome challenges and make the most out of life.
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