Released: 2004
“Before I Forget” by Slipknot is a whirlwind of self-awareness and raw energy wrapped up into one punchy track. It’s about struggling with identity, embracing one’s flaws, and the fight to remember one’s authentic self amidst chaos. Now, let’s dive into the guts of it and break down the storyline and the underlying messages within these hard-hitting lyrics.
The opening lines, “Stapled shut, inside an outside world and I’m / Sealed in tight, bizarre but right at home”, set the stage for a theme of feeling trapped yet oddly comfortable in that confinement. The metaphor of being stapled shut suggests a painful, forcible silence or restraint, which speaks to a larger feeling of isolation or being boxed in by one’s circumstances or personal struggles. This idea of claustrophobia, both literal and metaphorical, plays into the broader feeling of being overwhelmed and catastrophic, signaling a recurring battle with inner turmoil.
The chorus, “I am a world before I am a man / I was a creature before I could stand / I will remember before I forget / Before I forget that,” is a powerful assertion of self-prioritization and identity. Here, the lyrics emphasize the importance of recognizing one’s inherent value and core existence before the roles and labels imposed by society. It’s a reminder to the self to remember one’s roots and true nature amidst the noise of life and the pressures to conform.
Furthermore, lines like “I’m smeared across the page, and doused in gasoline / I wear you like a stain, yet I’m the one who’s obscene” delve into themes of self-destructive behavior and the external judgment that comes with it. These lyrics could suggest the way personal struggles and the stains of past actions can define us in the eyes of others, yet the song pushes back, implying a rejection of these imposed labels and a raw embrace of one’s true self, warts and all.
The bridge, “My end / It justifies my means / All I ever do is delay / My every attempt to evade / The end of the road,” reflects on procrastination and avoidance in facing one’s inner demons or perhaps the inevitability of death. This part of the song serves as a moment of introspection about the cyclical nature of self-sabotage and the struggles in finding meaning and purpose.
Ultimately, “Before I Forget” is a fierce anthem about fighting to maintain one’s identity against the erosion of external forces and internal battles. It champions the idea of remembering who you are at your core before the world gets a chance to make you forget. Slipknot masterfully combines aggressive instrumentals with poignant lyrics, creating a track that’s not only a staple in the metal genre but also a powerful statement on self-preservation and authenticity.
