Still Counting
Volbeat
Unmasking Hypocrisy: Volbeat's 'Still Counting'
Volbeat's song 'Still Counting' is a raw and unfiltered critique of hypocrisy and deceit, both in others and within oneself. The opening lines, 'Counting all the assholes in the room / Well I'm definitely not alone,' set the tone for a song that is unapologetically confrontational. The narrator acknowledges the prevalence of dishonesty and betrayal, pointing out that these traits are not unique to any one person but are widespread. This admission of shared flaws creates a sense of collective responsibility, urging listeners to look inward before casting judgment on others.
The lyrics delve deeper into the theme of self-awareness and accountability. Lines like 'Look deep into yourself before you blame all others / for betrayal' emphasize the importance of introspection. The song suggests that promises are often made lightly and broken just as easily, highlighting the ease with which people fall into patterns of deceit. The repeated phrase 'and you do it again' underscores the cyclical nature of these behaviors, suggesting that without self-reflection, people are doomed to repeat their mistakes.
Musically, the song's aggressive tone and driving rhythm mirror its lyrical content. The references to music and 'liquid' (likely alcohol) as temporary escapes from reality add another layer of meaning. These elements serve as distractions that mask the underlying issues but do not resolve them. The narrator's decision to 'turn my back and go for all the better things in order' signifies a desire to break free from this cycle of hypocrisy and seek a more genuine and fulfilling path. The closing lines, where a 'gangster' claims to have a song that matters, only to be met with a dismissive coin flip, further emphasize the song's disdain for empty words and false bravado.