Ropes

Album: Sounds of a Playground Fading (2011)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • With an urgent vocal by lead singer Anders Fridén, "Ropes" became one of In Flames most popular songs. The "ropes" are a metaphor for the constraints and pressures we often feel, and in the song, Fridén offers to untie them - something that isn't easy to do.

    "This song is about helping someone, being there for someone, and how important that is when you see your friends or your family go down," he said in our 2015 interview. "How that is hurting you, but at the same time a lot of people just don't want to take part in that and reach out with a helping hand, because it would be too tough on them. Instead, you should quit your ego and start bringing this person up. Be there. The song is about how important that is."
  • Sounds of a Playground Fading was the first In Flames album recorded without guitarist Jesper Strömblad, who left the band in 2010. Instead of replacing Strömblad, the band carried on with just one guitarist: Björn Gelotte. The album was well-received by fans and sold well in a wide range of territories, including Germany, where it went to #1.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Dino Cazares of Fear Factory

Dino Cazares of Fear FactorySongwriter Interviews

The guitarist/songwriter explains how he came up with his signature sound, and deconstructs some classic Fear Factory songs.

Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty

Rob Thomas of Matchbox TwentySongwriter Interviews

Rob Thomas on his Social Distance Sessions, co-starring with a camel, and his friendship with Carlos Santana.

Gentle Giant

Gentle GiantSongwriter Interviews

An interview with Ray and Derek Shulman of the progressive rock band Gentle Giant to discuss counterpoint, polyrhythms, and... Bon Jovi.

Glen Ballard

Glen BallardSongwriter Interviews

Glen Ballard talks about co-writing and producing Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill album, and his work with Dave Matthews, Aerosmith and Annie Lennox.

Jay, Peaches, Spinderella and other Darrining Victims

Jay, Peaches, Spinderella and other Darrining VictimsSong Writing

Just like Darrin was replaced on Bewitched, groups have swapped out original members, hoping we wouldn't notice.

Francis Rossi of Status Quo

Francis Rossi of Status QuoSongwriter Interviews

Doubt led to drive for Francis, who still isn't sure why one of Status Quo's biggest hits is so beloved.