Song meaning of Before I Forget (Live At Download Festival 2009) by Slipknot

"Before I Forget" by Slipknot is a powerful and introspective song that delves into themes of self-identity, personal struggles, and the constant battle between one's past and present. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who feels trapped and confined within themselves and their surroundings.

The opening lines, "Stapled shut, inside an outside world and I'm / Sealed in tight, bizarre but right at home," suggest a sense of isolation and alienation. The narrator feels claustrophobic and overwhelmed, as if they are being suffocated by their own thoughts and emotions. This feeling is further emphasized in the line, "I'm smeared across the page and doused in gasoline," indicating a sense of self-destruction and 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!" reflects the struggle to maintain a sense of self amidst the chaos. It highlights the idea that one's past experiences and memories shape who they are, and it is important to hold onto those memories in order to understand oneself fully.

The second verse continues to explore this theme of internal conflict, with the lines, "I'm ripped across the ditch and settled in the dirt / Wear you like a stitch yet I'm the one who's hurt." Here, the narrator acknowledges their own pain and vulnerability, while also recognizing their role in their own suffering. They are caught up in battles and conflicts, unable to break free from the cycle.

The bridge section adds another layer to the song's meaning, with the lines, "My end, it justifies my means / All I ever do is delay / My every attempt to evade / The end of the road." This suggests a constant struggle to avoid facing the inevitable, to delay the end or the resolution. It reflects a fear of confronting one's own mortality or the consequences of one's actions.

Overall, "Before I Forget" is a deeply introspective song that explores the complexities of human existence. It delves into the struggle to maintain a sense of self, the weight of past experiences, and the constant battle against one's own demons. Slipknot's intense and raw delivery amplifies the emotional impact of the lyrics, making it a powerful and thought-provoking piece of music.