Guitar Gear

Twist the Knife is my first foray into writing allegorical lyrics. What I wanted to achieve with the lyrics was have them stand on their own from the surface point of view, but really represent an entirely different thing. On the surface, Twist the Knife is about a lover’s betrayal, but it’s also an allegory of how many were betrayed in the recent financial crisis at the hands of the huge investment firms. The fact that firms like Goldman Sachs recommended risky investments in mortgage-backed securities to their clients, then betting against those same securities – seemingly know that they’d tank – and making a HUGE profit was like stabbing someone in the heart, then twisting it to add insult to injury.

Amps: Aracom PLX18BB for left-channel rhythm, Aracom VRX22 for right-channel rhythm and lead

Guitars: Squier CV Tele 50’s on the left, Gibson Nighthawk 2009 on the right and for the lead

Bass: Ibanez GSR200

Recording Notes: I dig the rhythm guitar parts as they sound like they’re coming from much bigger amps. Jeff Aragaki of Aracom Amps totally “gets” the vintage Marshall tone with that sweet and smooth overdrive. All guitar parts were recorded with no effects whatsoever, and I just added some reverb and a little presence to the guitar tracks to make up for the crappy ribbon mic I used to record the guitars.

LYRICS

To simplify your life that’s what you wanted
Our complications only bring you down
I set you free to satisfy your longing
to find what you’ve been missing
and recover what you’ve lost

I gave a lover’s trust as you turned away from me
thinking you’d be coming back to my arms
But all I’m holding now is this blade you thrust in my heart
You cut me down
My love runs out…

Then you twist the knife
Twist the knife
Twist the knife
Twist the knife

Nothing’s as it seems with your deceptions
Your love was a veil you hid behind
I let myself be fooled that there was more to us
I guess it’s true when they say
love is deaf, dumb and blind

I gave a lover’s trust as you turned away from me
thinking you’d be coming back to my arms
But all I’m holding now is this blade you thrust in my heart
You cut me down
My love runs out…

Then you twist the knife
Twist the knife
Twist the knife
Twist the knife

I thought we’d journey to our promise land
where our hearts and spirits unite
but you’ve left wanting
and I keep on calling
you’re just not to be found….

Then you twist the knife
Twist the knife
Twist the knife
Twist the knife
Twist the knife
Twist the knife
Twist the knife
Twist the knife

Copyright (C) 2010 Brendan Delumpa