Bleed

Album: Collective Soul (1995)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Lead singer Ed Roland and guitarist Dean Roland's father was a preacher and people used to seek his advice all the time. In a June 2005 interview on the Howard Stern radio show, Ed described him as "a poor-man's therapist." One day a troubled young girl who wanted to kill herself came to their house looking for the father. He wasn't home, so Ed had to handle the situation, which is what the song is about. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Kyle - Carlinville, IL

Comments: 6

  • Luna Loud from Royal Woods, MichiganAlly, I think for "Burning altars in my head," I don't know too much about the Good Book, but apparently sacrifices were burned on the altars of old school churches and temples and places of worship (animals and junk, kinda tanked up IMO) to atone for people's sins or for them to get "saved". The girl is metaphorically burning sacrifices in his psyche or making him feel like he's the one that needs to save her but he doesn't think he's in any position to do that. That's just my theory, hope it helps.
  • Ally from WashingtonI have always loved the song Bleed. It's such a cool song! One part doesn't really make sense when they say she's burning alters in my head. What does that mean?
  • Luna Loud from Royal Woods, MichiganHopefully, Anon. And yeah, that riff is sweet. The solo is pretty sweet, too!
  • AnonymousDid he save the girl?
  • Zero from Nowhere, NjYeah, it sounds kinda AC/DC-esque.
  • Patrick from Humboldt, IaThis song starts in on such a sweet riff.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Jon Foreman of Switchfoot

Jon Foreman of SwitchfootSongwriter Interviews

Switchfoot's frontman and main songwriter on what inspires the songs and how he got the freedom to say exactly what he means.

Bands Named After Real People (Who Aren't In The Band)

Bands Named After Real People (Who Aren't In The Band)Song Writing

How a gym teacher, a janitor, and a junkie became part of some very famous band names.

Tony Joe White

Tony Joe WhiteSongwriter Interviews

The writer of "Rainy Night in Georgia" and "Polk Salad Annie" explains how he cooks up his Louisiana swamp rock.

Cheerleaders In Music Videos

Cheerleaders In Music VideosSong Writing

It started with a bouncy MTV classic. Nirvana and MCR made them scary, then Gwen, Avril and Madonna put on the pom poms.

Spooner Oldham

Spooner OldhamSongwriter Interviews

His keyboard work helped define the Muscle Shoals sound and make him an integral part of many Neil Young recordings. Spooner is also an accomplished songwriter, whose hits include "I'm Your Puppet" and "Cry Like A Baby."

Into The Great Wide Open: Made-up Musicians

Into The Great Wide Open: Made-up MusiciansSong Writing

Eddie (played by Johnny Depp in the video) found fame fleeting, but Chuck Berry's made-up musician fared better.