Road narrows, pouring down
I’m breaking without a sound
Bits and pieces of trying
Get what you pay for, nothing
Frozen dreaming of yesterday
Potent, creeping I’m far away
From my hometown I lit out
To save my skin and shed some doubt
I know how false the floor
How high the sky
Been down that road before
It’s a lie, you hide in someone else
Like a shining scalpel, cut yourself
Hard as truth is, been my friend
Don’t need to be invited in
I’ll go round ’til bested
Pick up myself and try again
I know how false the floor
How high the sky
Been down that road before
It’s a lie, you hide in someone else
Like a shining scalpel, cut yourself
All comes in time
Don’t fight it, don’t mind it
Whatever may come
I know how false the floor
How high the sky
Been down both roads before
It’s a lie, you hide in someone else
Like a shining scalpel, cut yourself
Peeling Back the Layers of “Scalpel”
“Scalpel” by Alice In Chains is a haunting exploration of self-reflection and the search for truth amidst emotional turmoil. The lyrics evoke a sense of vulnerability, as the narrator grapples with internal struggles and the urge to escape the past. Vivid imagery like “road narrows, pouring down” and “frozen dreaming of yesterday” set a somber mood, highlighting the difficulty of moving forward when weighed down by doubt and regret.
The Metaphor of the Scalpel
The repeated reference to a “shining scalpel” is a powerful metaphor for self-examination and the sometimes painful process of facing one’s own reality. The song suggests that hiding behind others or avoiding the truth is ultimately harmful, akin to cutting oneself with a sharp instrument. Despite the darkness, there is a thread of resilience, as the lyrics hint at learning from the past and persevering through hardship.
Song Credits
“Scalpel” was written by Jerry Cantrell and released in 2013 as part of Alice In Chains’ album “The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here” under the Capitol label.