Motionless in White is an American metal band from Scranton, Pennsylvania, known for their dark and horror-themed lyrics and aesthetics. One of their songs, “Cause of Death”, from their 2022 album “Scoring the End of the World”, is a particularly intense and emotional track that explores the theme of inner conflict and self-destruction.
The Meaning of the Lyrics
The song “Cause of Death” by Motionless in White appears to be about a toxic relationship between two individuals, referred to as “nemesis”. The singer reveals that the relationship is characterized by jealousy, betrayal, and the holding of happiness hostage by the other party.
However, according to the lead singer Chris “Motionless” Cerulli, the song is actually a companion track with another song called “Sign of Life”. He explained that both songs are written from one side of himself to the other, representing two sides of his personality that are at war with each other.
He said that the song is about these two sides squaring off and fighting to the death, trying to bury one another and take over. He also said that the song is about killing off one side of himself in the name of survival, but not feeling any guilt or remorse for doing so.
The lyrics are full of violent imagery and metaphors, such as cutting out the enemy with a knife, shooting the plot full of holes, nailing the twin casket closed, and finding life in the cause of death. The chorus also repeats the question “Do you believe in me now?”, implying a sense of validation and triumph over the defeated side.
The Musical Style and Composition
The song “Cause of Death” by Motionless in White has a BPM/tempo of 150 beats per minute, is in the key of F# Maj and has a duration of 4 minutes, 3 seconds. The song features heavy guitar riffs, fast drum beats, and aggressive vocals by Chris Motionless.
The song also has a breakdown section, where the singer screams “Pick it up!” followed by a series of harsh words such as “Liar”, “Two-faced”, and “Can we be forgiven?”. The breakdown adds to the intensity and drama of the song, as well as highlighting the anger and frustration of the singer.
The song also has some melodic elements, such as a catchy chorus and a bridge that changes the tone and tempo of the song. The bridge features softer vocals by Ricky Horror, who sings “No hope, no time / Can’t go back, can’t rewind / I still belong to you / You still belong to me”. This part suggests a sense of regret and attachment to the other side, despite the violence and hatred.
The Reception and Impact
The song “Cause of Death” by Motionless in White was released on June 10, 2022, as part of their sixth studio album “Scoring the End of the World”. The album received positive reviews from critics and fans alike, who praised its diversity, creativity, and maturity.
The song “Cause of Death” was also well-received by listeners, who appreciated its powerful lyrics, music, and emotion. The song has over 900 thousand views on YouTube, where many fans commented on how they related to the song’s message and felt inspired by it.
Some fans also shared their personal stories of overcoming their inner demons and finding their true selves. Others expressed their admiration for Chris Motionless and his ability to write such honest and raw songs.
The song “Cause of Death” by Motionless in White is a dark and dramatic song that showcases the band’s talent and vision. The song is not only a reflection of the singer’s inner struggle, but also a universal theme that many people can resonate with. The song is a testament to the band’s courage and passion for making music that matters.
