Alkaline Trio - All On Black Lyrics & Meanings

Cover art for All On Black lyrics by Alkaline Trio

by MechSpike

22y ago

Matt Skiba quoted on the official website in an interview "I don’t actually believe that there is a Satan or a hell or all that kind of stuff, but the imagery more than anything is exciting and challenging. But if it’s gonna piss somebody off for me to say I’m a Satanist, I’d be happy about that." Obviously Matt and the gang gets a kick out of the imagery of satanism and witchcraft. To go as far as saying they are satanists themselves is a little to much but in a Christianity sense you could definately pin point who's side their on (God/Satan so to speak). When it comes to the song itself I seem to think it's not as much of a death but more of a break up. I don't know his personal love life and what not but the impression I get from the meaning is much more hidden then it seems. It seems like the whole song is telling about his life and aspects in it including a probably pretty important relationship to him gone bad. Here's what I got...

I put it all on black, no color you're all dressed in

(Well when it comes to good and evil it deals with black and white and he seems to want to 'put it all on black' Also black is not a color it's the lack of color so to speak, a play on words when he says 'no color your all dressed in')

And a stab in the back left you bleeding on the floor And I'm mourning the death, the recent passing of your insides I smile in regret every time I think of how I spoke to you

(The stabbing the back might be a reference to something he did to her after their break up ('passing of your insides') to hurt her. Also saying he regrets ever speaking to her like he did maybe in the sense of saying something wrong or of spilling his heart to her etc.)

I put it all in back of my mind where I hold you I'm just trying to keep track, how far back it really goes

(He has put her in the back of his mind and it's hard because he doesn't want to put her to far back to forget her. Obviously meaning she meant alot to him.)

And I'm living in lack of the blood sent from the heavens I'm just trying to relax as the killer's waiting right outside my door

(He's living in lack of the blood (or 'blessings') sent from the heavens. He trying to relax because the killer (or 'Satan') is waiting outside his door (or 'by his side')

What's black and white? What's read all over? This tired book This organ donor

(This line has to be referring to the Satanic Bible which (according to a website source) explains Satanism in 'black and white' and he referres the book to be read all over (pun off red, as in evil so to speak) And the organ donor I'm not quite sure about but I'de like your thoughts and opinions on it.)

Sweet blasphemy, my giving tree It hasn't rained in years I bring to you this sacrificial offering of virgin ears Leave it to me, I remain free from all the comforts of home And where that is, I'm pleased as piss to say, "I'll never really know"

(Well this chorus is full of the evil imagery such as him saying 'Sweet Blasphemy my giving tree' Blasphemy reffering to the act of claiming he rights or attributes of God, since one other person commented somewhere else he believes in ones self being their own God. Also he says he brings a sacrificial offering of virgin ears almost like a sacrifice of the listener in my opinion o_o And he speaks of remaining free of the comforts of home. (heaven?)

I put 'em all in black, the four walls of my bedroom And I trimmed them in red, peeled your picture off the wall And I'm living in lack of the blood sent from your heartbeat that arrived in your neck every time I salivated over you

(Once again more about the girl basically saying he tore her picture off his black and red trimmed walls and he's in lack of the warm blood in her neck when he salivated or 'kissed or whatever' her neck etc.)

What's upside down? What's coated in silver? This crucifix is my four leaf clover

(An upside down cross or crucifix is the symbol of satanism and obviously it's his lucky charm)

One of these days it's gonna catch up to you Throwing looks like those around One of these nights I promise to you I'll soon be sleeping sound, as soon as I leave town

(This is probably the most obvious reason to think this is about a girl breaking up and not a death. He says 'One of these days It's going to catch up to you throwing looks like those around." Obviously meaning one of these days it's all going to catch up to her if she throws looks and flirts around all the time. And 'One of these nights I promise to you I'll soon be sleeping sound as soon as I leave town" this could be reffering to him dying and sleeping for good or him leaving his awful small town (Which is where I think he grew up) and finally sleeping without having to think about this girl.

This is just my complete self opinion about this all just my two cents hopefully it shines some light on some of the parts for you. Some of it is far stretched but it seems to make sense please extend on it or add to it...

Matt Skiba quoted on the official website in an interview "I don’t actually believe that there is a Satan or a hell or all that kind of stuff, but the imagery more than anything is exciting and challenging. But if it’s gonna piss somebody off for me to say I’m a Satanist, I’d be happy about that."
Obviously Matt and the gang gets a kick out of the imagery of satanism and witchcraft.  To go as far as saying they are satanists themselves is a little to much but in a Christianity sense you could definately pin point who's side their on (God/Satan so to speak).  When it comes to the song itself I seem to think it's not as much of a death but more of a break up.  I don't know his personal love life and what not but the impression I get from the meaning is much more hidden then it seems.  It seems like the whole song is telling about his life and aspects in it including a probably pretty important relationship to him gone bad.  Here's what I got...

I put it all on black, 
no color you're all dressed in

(Well when it comes to good and evil it deals with black and white and he seems to want to 'put it all on black' Also black is not a color it's the lack of color so to speak, a play on words when he says 'no color your all dressed in')

And a stab in the back 
left you bleeding on the floor 
And I'm mourning the death, 
the recent passing of your insides 
I smile in regret 
every time I think of how I spoke to you

(The stabbing the back might be a reference to something he did to her after their break up ('passing of your insides') to hurt her.  Also saying he regrets ever speaking to her like he did maybe in the sense of saying something wrong or of spilling his heart to her etc.)

I put it all in back 
of my mind where I hold you 
I'm just trying to keep track, 
how far back it really goes

(He has put her in the back of his mind and it's hard because he doesn't want to put her to far back to forget her. Obviously meaning she meant alot to him.)

And I'm living in lack 
of the blood sent from the heavens 
I'm just trying to relax 
as the killer's waiting right outside my door

(He's living in lack of the blood (or 'blessings') sent from the heavens.  He trying to relax because the killer (or 'Satan') is waiting outside his door (or 'by his side')

What's black and white?
What's read all over? 
This tired book
This organ donor

(This line has to be referring to the Satanic Bible which (according to a website source) explains Satanism in 'black and white' and he referres the book to be read all over (pun off red, as in evil so to speak) And the organ donor I'm not quite sure about but I'de like your thoughts and opinions on it.)

Sweet blasphemy, my giving tree 
It hasn't rained in years 
I bring to you this sacrificial offering 
of virgin ears 
Leave it to me, I remain free from all the comforts of home
And where that is, I'm pleased as piss to say, "I'll never really know"

(Well this chorus is full of the evil imagery such as him saying 'Sweet Blasphemy my giving tree' Blasphemy reffering to the act of claiming he rights or attributes of God, since one other person commented somewhere else he believes in ones self being their own God.  Also he says he brings a sacrificial offering of virgin ears almost like a sacrifice of the listener in my opinion o_o And he speaks of remaining free of the comforts of home. (heaven?)

I put 'em all in black, 
the four walls of my bedroom 
And I trimmed them in red, 
peeled your picture off the wall 
And I'm living in lack 
of the blood sent from your heartbeat 
that arrived in your neck 
every time I salivated over you

(Once again more about the girl basically saying he tore her picture off his black and red trimmed walls and he's in lack of the warm blood in her neck when he salivated or 'kissed or whatever' her neck etc.)

What's upside down?
What's coated in silver? 
This crucifix is
my four leaf clover

(An upside down cross or crucifix is the symbol of satanism and obviously it's his lucky charm)

One of these days
it's gonna catch up to you 
Throwing looks like those around 
One of these nights
I promise to you 
I'll soon be sleeping sound, 
as soon as I leave town

(This is probably the most obvious reason to think this is about a girl breaking up and not a death.  He says 'One of these days It's going to catch up to you throwing looks like those around."  Obviously meaning one of these days it's all going to catch up to her if she throws looks and flirts around all the time.  And 'One of these nights I promise to you I'll soon be sleeping sound as soon as I leave town"  this could be reffering to him dying and sleeping for good or him leaving his awful small town (Which is where I think he grew up) and finally sleeping without having to think about this girl.

This is just my complete self opinion about this all just my two cents hopefully it shines some light on some of the parts for you.  Some of it is far stretched but it seems to make sense please extend on it or add to it...

Reason:

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by Alky3Oholic 15y ago

For organ doner I get from that, gave his heart up. But just out of place hmmmm so in that paragraph maybe , I'm not certain he's refering to the satanic bible.Maybe he's reffering book as like 3rd person to himself. And he's read or viewed as black and white, clearly viewed as athiest/satanic/heartbroken/on drugs?

other than that the rest of your opinions hit the high notes, good job.

Not Valid

by Fallen_poo

22y ago

ohhhhhh, yay! go me im the first one to write for this song. i cant believe no one else has its one of the best on the new album. i just love the way matt skiba sings 'What's upside down? (what's updide down, what...?) What's coated in silver? This crucifix is (this crucifix is) my four leaf clover '

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by whippedcoke 17y ago

i replied to get on first page :P

anyhow this song is strictly about vampires...

think about it. re-read thinking vampires...

Not Valid

by rdchili96 16y ago

Go to www.churchofsatan.com and you can actually learn what Satanism is about, there are a lot of misconceptions on the subject. There are sins in satanism, they include:

Stupidity–The top of the list for Satanic Sins. The Cardinal Sin of Satanism. It’s too bad that stupidity isn’t painful. Ignorance is one thing, but our society thrives increasingly on stupidity. It depends on people going along with whatever they are told. The media promotes a cultivated stupidity as a posture that is not only acceptable but laudable. Satanists must learn to see through the tricks and cannot afford to...

Stupidity–The top of the list for Satanic Sins. The Cardinal Sin of Satanism. It’s too bad that stupidity isn’t painful. Ignorance is one thing, but our society thrives increasingly on stupidity. It depends on people going along with whatever they are told. The media promotes a cultivated stupidity as a posture that is not only acceptable but laudable. Satanists must learn to see through the tricks and cannot afford to be stupid.

Pretentiousness–Empty posturing can be most irritating and isn’t applying the cardinal rules of Lesser Magic. On equal footing with stupidity for what keeps the money in circulation these days. Everyone’s made to feel like a big shot, whether they can come up with the goods or not.

Solipsism–Can be very dangerous for Satanists. Projecting your reactions, responses and sensibilities onto someone who is probably far less attuned than you are. It is the mistake of expecting people to give you the same consideration, courtesy and respect that you naturally give them. They won’t. Instead, Satanists must strive to apply the dictum of “Do unto others as they do unto you.” It’s work for most of us and requires constant vigilance lest you slip into a comfortable illusion of everyone being like you. As has been said, certain utopias would be ideal in a nation of philosophers, but unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately, from a Machiavellian standpoint) we are far from that point.

Self-deceit–It’s in the “Nine Satanic Statements” but deserves to be repeated here. Another cardinal sin. We must not pay homage to any of the sacred cows presented to us, including the roles we are expected to play ourselves. The only time self-deceit should be entered into is when it’s fun, and with awareness. But then, it’s not self-deceit!

Herd Conformity–That’s obvious from a Satanic stance. It’s all right to conform to a person’s wishes, if it ultimately benefits you. But only fools follow along with the herd, letting an impersonal entity dictate to you. The key is to choose a master wisely instead of being enslaved by the whims of the many.

Lack of Perspective–Again, this one can lead to a lot of pain for a Satanist. You must never lose sight of who and what you are, and what a threat you can be, by your very existence. We are making history right now, every day. Always keep the wider historical and social picture in mind. That is an important key to both Lesser and Greater Magic. See the patterns and fit things together as you want the pieces to fall into place. Do not be swayed by herd constraints–know that you are working on another level entirely from the rest of the world.

Forgetfulness of Past Orthodoxies–Be aware that this is one of the keys to brainwashing people into accepting something new and different, when in reality it’s something that was once widely accepted but is now presented in a new package. We are expected to rave about the genius of the creator and forget the original. This makes for a disposable society.

Counterproductive Pride–That first word is important. Pride is great up to the point you begin to throw out the baby with the bathwater. The rule of Satanism is: if it works for you, great. When it stops working for you, when you’ve painted yourself into a corner and the only way out is to say, I’m sorry, I made a mistake, I wish we could compromise somehow, then do it.

Lack of Aesthetics–This is the physical application of the Balance Factor. Aesthetics is important in Lesser Magic and should be cultivated. It is obvious that no one can collect any money off classical standards of beauty and form most of the time so they are discouraged in a consumer society, but an eye for beauty, for balance, is an essential Satanic tool and must be applied for greatest magical effectiveness. It’s not what’s supposed to be pleasing–it’s what is. Aesthetics is a personal thing, reflective of one’s own nature, but there are universally pleasing and harmonious configurations that should not be denied.

Some more info on the subject.

Satan represents indulgence instead of abstinence!

Satan represents vital existence instead of spiritual pipe dreams!

Satan represents undefiled wisdom instead of hypocritical self-deceit!

Satan represents kindness to those who deserve it instead of love wasted on ingrates!

Satan represents vengeance instead of turning the other cheek!

Satan represents responsibility to the responsible instead of concern for psychic vampires!

Satan represents man as just another animal, sometimes better, more often worse than those that walk on all-fours, who, because of his “divine spiritual and intellectual development,” has become the most vicious animal of all!

Satan represents all of the so-called sins, as they all lead to physical, mental, or emotional gratification!

Some even more:

Do not give opinions or advice unless you are asked.

Do not tell your troubles to others unless you are sure they want to hear them.

When in another’s lair, show him respect or else do not go there.

If a guest in your lair annoys you, treat him cruelly and without mercy.

Do not make sexual advances unless you are given the mating signal.

Do not take that which does not belong to you unless it is a burden to the other person and he cries out to be relieved.

Acknowledge the power of magic if you have employed it successfully to obtain your desires. If you deny the power of magic after having called upon it with success, you will lose all you have obtained.

Do not complain about anything to which you need not subject yourself.

Do not harm little children.

Do not kill non-human animals unless you are attacked or for your food.

When walking in open territory, bother no one. If someone bothers you, ask him to stop. If he does not stop, destroy him.

Not Valid

Go to www.churchofsatan.com and you can actually learn what Satanism is about, there are a lot of misconceptions on the subject. There are sins in satanism, they include:

1. Stupidity–The top of the list for Satanic Sins. The Cardinal Sin of Satanism. It’s too bad that stupidity isn’t painful. Ignorance is one thing, but our society thrives increasingly on stupidity. It depends on people going along with whatever they are told. The media promotes a cultivated stupidity as a posture that is not only acceptable but laudable. Satanists must learn to see through the tricks and cannot afford to be stupid.

2. Pretentiousness–Empty posturing can be most irritating and isn’t applying the cardinal rules of Lesser Magic. On equal footing with stupidity for what keeps the money in circulation these days. Everyone’s made to feel like a big shot, whether they can come up with the goods or not.

3. Solipsism–Can be very dangerous for Satanists. Projecting your reactions, responses and sensibilities onto someone who is probably far less attuned than you are. It is the mistake of expecting people to give you the same consideration, courtesy and respect that you naturally give them. They won’t. Instead, Satanists must strive to apply the dictum of “Do unto others as they do unto you.” It’s work for most of us and requires constant vigilance lest you slip into a comfortable illusion of everyone being like you. As has been said, certain utopias would be ideal in a nation of philosophers, but unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately, from a Machiavellian standpoint) we are far from that point.

4. Self-deceit–It’s in the “Nine Satanic Statements” but deserves to be repeated here. Another cardinal sin. We must not pay homage to any of the sacred cows presented to us, including the roles we are expected to play ourselves. The only time self-deceit should be entered into is when it’s fun, and with awareness. But then, it’s not self-deceit!

5. Herd Conformity–That’s obvious from a Satanic stance. It’s all right to conform to a person’s wishes, if it ultimately benefits you. But only fools follow along with the herd, letting an impersonal entity dictate to you. The key is to choose a master wisely instead of being enslaved by the whims of the many.

6. Lack of Perspective–Again, this one can lead to a lot of pain for a Satanist. You must never lose sight of who and what you are, and what a threat you can be, by your very existence. We are making history right now, every day. Always keep the wider historical and social picture in mind. That is an important key to both Lesser and Greater Magic. See the patterns and fit things together as you want the pieces to fall into place. Do not be swayed by herd constraints–know that you are working on another level entirely from the rest of the world.

7. Forgetfulness of Past Orthodoxies–Be aware that this is one of the keys to brainwashing people into accepting something new and different, when in reality it’s something that was once widely accepted but is now presented in a new package. We are expected to rave about the genius of the creator and forget the original. This makes for a disposable society.

8. Counterproductive Pride–That first word is important. Pride is great up to the point you begin to throw out the baby with the bathwater. The rule of Satanism is: if it works for you, great. When it stops working for you, when you’ve painted yourself into a corner and the only way out is to say, I’m sorry, I made a mistake, I wish we could compromise somehow, then do it.

9. Lack of Aesthetics–This is the physical application of the Balance Factor. Aesthetics is important in Lesser Magic and should be cultivated. It is obvious that no one can collect any money off classical standards of beauty and form most of the time so they are discouraged in a consumer society, but an eye for beauty, for balance, is an essential Satanic tool and must be applied for greatest magical effectiveness. It’s not what’s supposed to be pleasing–it’s what is. Aesthetics is a personal thing, reflective of one’s own nature, but there are universally pleasing and harmonious configurations that should not be denied.

Some more info on the subject.

1. Satan represents indulgence instead of abstinence!

2. Satan represents vital existence instead of spiritual pipe dreams!

3. Satan represents undefiled wisdom instead of hypocritical self-deceit!

4. Satan represents kindness to those who deserve it instead of love wasted on ingrates!

5. Satan represents vengeance instead of turning the other cheek!

6. Satan represents responsibility to the responsible instead of concern for psychic vampires!

7. Satan represents man as just another animal, sometimes better, more often worse than those that walk on all-fours, who, because of his “divine spiritual and intellectual development,” has become the most vicious animal of all!

8. Satan represents all of the so-called sins, as they all lead to physical, mental, or emotional gratification!

Some even more:

1. Do not give opinions or advice unless you are asked.

2. Do not tell your troubles to others unless you are sure they want to hear them.

3. When in another’s lair, show him respect or else do not go there.

4. If a guest in your lair annoys you, treat him cruelly and without mercy.

5. Do not make sexual advances unless you are given the mating signal.

6. Do not take that which does not belong to you unless it is a burden to the other person and he cries out to be relieved.

7. Acknowledge the power of magic if you have employed it successfully to obtain your desires. If you deny the power of magic after having called upon it with success, you will lose all you have obtained.

8. Do not complain about anything to which you need not subject yourself.

9. Do not harm little children.

10. Do not kill non-human animals unless you are attacked or for your food.

11. When walking in open territory, bother no one. If someone bothers you, ask him to stop. If he does not stop, destroy him.

Reason:

by BryteEyes

22y ago

Hah -- I can't believe I'm going to agree with a person who calls him/herself "Fallen Poo". Hah, kidding, I think, but yeah, that's my favorite part as well. I just saw Alkaline 2 days ago and they were absolutely wonderful. My friend, Zach, even got to kiss Matt. Cool or what? YAY Alkaline

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by nagoll

22y ago

that is my favorite part also, but i am having trouble figuring out what it means. "this crucifix, my four leaf clover." someone help me. thanks i am seeing ALK in 2 days, giddy up!

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by All-StarMe

22y ago

upside down silver cross is a symbol of satanism (or whatever you call it) apparently, and they have one in their practice space. love this song, apparently its Matt's most personal song, the mans evil, like me really, but a frickin genius.

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by emo mournings

22y ago

Excellent song, I still don't understand why you guys (or girls) didn't understand the upside down crucifix part. If you know Matt he has a different approach on religion. Check out the song "Hell Yes" for a deeper view on his opinion....

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by FungusAmungus

22y ago

"i smile in regret every time i think of how i spoke to you" this is an awsome song, one of my favorites off the new album. amazing lyrics... Matt's a genious, along with Dan. Ahhh how i love alkaline trio...

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by FungusAmungus

22y ago

"i smile in regret every time i think of how i spoke to you" this is an awsome song, one of my favorites off the new album. amazing lyrics... Matt's a genious, along with Dan. Ahhh how i love alkaline trio...

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by BadCaseofMurder

22y ago

Ya know, in interviews, Matt is a self-admitted athiest. Now, if you subscribe to any sort of idea of spiritual belief, it is not possible to be an athiest AND a satanist at the same time. He also admits to enjoying getting a rise out of people however he can...and satanic imagery is a pretty simple way of doing that.

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by Dancing Potato

22y ago

Yeah, exactly, BadCaseofMurder. Matt is a fan of Anton LaVey's artwork (he's a known Satanist); that doesn't make him a satanist, though. This song has the recurrent theme of the death of a loved one (not too present, in this form, on Good Mourning) which I suppose all stems from the same experience. This song to me sounds like it's Skiba's girlfriend (or ex) who died.

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