The Meaning Behind The Song: Bleeding Mascara by Atreyu
Atreyu is a metalcore band from Orange County, California, formed in 1998. One of their most popular songs is “Bleeding Mascara,” which appears on their second album “The Curse” released in 2004. The song features aggressive vocals, heavy guitar riffs, and intense drumming, but what is the meaning behind the lyrics? In this article, we’ll explore the themes and inspiration behind “Bleeding Mascara.”
Table of Contents
The Lyrics of Bleeding Mascara
The first verse of “Bleeding Mascara” goes as follows:
“Push it in harder, deeper, deeper
The pain is temporary, a scream eternal
I am the mask you wear, a painted face
I will see you in the end, I will embrace”
The lyrics depict a sense of pain and emptiness behind the persona or “mask” that the person wears. They suggest that the pain is temporary and that the person is screaming eternally in silence. The chorus further emphasizes this idea:
“My heart is a dagger, I’ll carve it into pieces
Rip me apart, bleed me dry, I’ll scream out loud
Fuck your magazine, and fuck your trends
I’ll never be like you, I’ll make my own damn path”
The chorus suggests that the person is fed up with the pressure to conform and be like everyone else. They reject the standards set by magazines and trends and opt to make their path despite the pain and rejection they may face.
The Inspiration Behind Bleeding Mascara
Atreyu has spoken about the inspiration behind “Bleeding Mascara” in several interviews over the years. Lead guitarist Dan Jacobs once reflected on the song’s themes:
“Bleeding Mascara’ is a song about feeling alone and lost in the world. It’s about not knowing who you really are and desperately trying to find yourself among the chaos. We all felt that way at some point in our lives, whether we were in high school or college or just feeling lost in our careers.”
Lead vocalist Alex Varkatzas added that the song draws from his own experiences of feeling overwhelmed and frustrated with societal standards:
“There’s no reason for anyone to be fake, to be something they’re not. Life’s too short to be anything but yourself. People don’t need to conform to what others think is acceptable. That’s what ‘Bleeding Mascara’ is about.”
The Message of Bleeding Mascara
The message behind “Bleeding Mascara” is one of self-acceptance, individuality, and perseverance. The song encourages listeners to reject the pressure to conform and to carve their path despite the pain and rejection they may face. The lyrics inspire a sense of rebellion and a refusal to be silenced or pushed down. As Atreyu puts it in the final chorus:
“There’s no way in hell
I’ll take back all the things I’ve said
Never have I felt so cold
I’m bleeding mascara”
The message is clear- embrace who you truly are, no matter what the consequences may be.
FAQs:
What genre is Bleeding Mascara?
“Bleeding Mascara” is a metalcore song. Metalcore combines elements of metal and punk rock and is known for its intense screaming vocals and heavy guitar riffs.
What album is Bleeding Mascara on?
“Bleeding Mascara” is on Atreyu’s second album, “The Curse,” released in 2004.
What inspired Atreyu to write Bleeding Mascara?
Atreyu has stated that “Bleeding Mascara” was inspired by feelings of isolation and frustration with societal standards. The band wanted to encourage listeners to embrace their individuality and reject the pressure to conform.
Who wrote the lyrics of Bleeding Mascara?
The lyrics of “Bleeding Mascara” were written by Atreyu’s lead vocalist, Alex Varkatzas.
What is Atreyu known for?
Atreyu is known for their intense metalcore sound and high-energy live performances. They have released multiple albums and have been active in the metal music scene for over two decades.
Are there any alternate versions of Bleeding Mascara?
Atreyu released an acoustic version of “Bleeding Mascara” in 2019. The stripped-down version showcased the underlying melody and emotion of the song.
What is the meaning behind the title, Bleeding Mascara?
The title of the song, “Bleeding Mascara,” is a metaphor for the idea of a painted face or mask that is bleeding or cracking under the surface. It represents the pain and emptiness that often can be hidden behind a facade of perfection.
Did Bleeding Mascara have any commercial success?
Yes, “Bleeding Mascara” was one of Atreyu’s most popular songs and received significant airtime on metal radio stations such as SiriusXM’s Liquid Metal.
What other songs is Atreyu known for?
Atreyu is known for several popular songs, including “Right Side of the Bed,” “Ex’s and Oh’s,” “The Crimson,” and “Becoming the Bull.”
Has Atreyu won any awards?
Yes, Atreyu has won several awards, including the Revolver Golden Gods award for “Best Underground Band” in 2008.
Who else has covered Bleeding Mascara?
Several bands have covered “Bleeding Mascara,” including In This Moment and Asking Alexandria.
Is Bleeding Mascara a love song?
No, “Bleeding Mascara” is not a love song. It is a song about being true to oneself and rejecting societal standards.
What is the significance of the album cover for The Curse?
The album cover for “The Curse” features a red and black visual of a figure clutching their face. The image represents the pain and anger that is present within the album’s themes and is a visual representation of “Bleeding Mascara.”
Conclusion
“Bleeding Mascara” is a powerful and emotional song that has resonated with listeners for years. Its message of individuality and perseverance continues to inspire and encourage those who feel lost or alone in the world. Atreyu’s music reminds us that we don’t have to conform to societal standards or put on a facade to be accepted. Instead, we should embrace who we are and make our path, even if it means bleeding mascara.
