Album: Core (1992)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • A track from Stone Temple Pilots' debut album, Core, lead singer Scott Weiland wrote the lyrics based on STP bass player Rob DeLeo's bad relationship with a woman. Many of Weiland's lyrics are personal, but he would often write from the perspective of others, and in this case his channeled his bandmate.
  • Core became a defining album of the grunge era, putting STP on par with acts like Pearl Jam and Alice in Chains. They had a few things going for them. For one, Weiland had yet to try heroin, which haunted him from the time he did in 1993. Also, they were hungry. "It was all or nothing," bass player Robert DeLeo told Songfacts. "That record and the energy we put into that, it allowed us to make another record."

Comments: 3

  • Devalle from Houston, TxI honestly believe he's talking about drinking Gin or Vodka, which both are sometimes refer to as Holy Water or Sin. At least that's what we called it back in the late 90's. The more you drink the stronger you feel.
  • Spog Zallagi from Blue Hill, MeThis song is really dark and scary to me. I always play this song when I think of George Bush (Insane manic cackling. Sound of sniper rifle cocking) "Sink into the wholes in my eyes" Very disturbing. It's a perfect song for a horror movie. When ever I play this song I alway ALWAYS reminded of people that have caused me pain. And it is soothing when bad memories come up. This and Boston's "Don't Look Back" sooth me. If I sound screwed up I'm not. Really...who likes cheese!
  • Cel from Philadelphia, PaMy fave STP song!! I love the repeat "Down you go, suffer long. Down you go, sin make me strong."
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World

Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat WorldSongwriter Interviews

Jim talks about the impact of "The Middle" and uses a tree metaphor to describe his songwriting philosophy.

Rush: Album by Album - A Conversation With Martin Popoff

Rush: Album by Album - A Conversation With Martin PopoffSong Writing

A talk with Martin Popoff about his latest book on Rush and how he assessed the thousands of albums he reviewed.

Jeff Trott

Jeff TrottSongwriter Interviews

Sheryl Crow's longtime songwriting partner/guitarist Jeff Trott reveals the stories behind many of the singer's hits, and what its like to be a producer for Leighton Meester and Max Gomez.

Desmond Child

Desmond ChildSongwriter Interviews

One of the most successful songwriters in the business, Desmond co-wrote "Livin' La Vida Loca," "Dude (Looks Like A Lady)" and "Livin' On A Prayer."

Steely Dan

Steely DanFact or Fiction

Did they really trade their guitarist to The Doobie Brothers? Are they named after something naughty? And what's up with the band name?

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie Combination

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie CombinationSong Writing

In 1986, a Stephen King novella was made into a movie, with a classic song serving as title, soundtrack and tone.