Music Review: All Saints "War Of Nerves"
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War Of Nerves
Album: All Saints
Year: 1998
Shaznay Price is anxious about being alone in the creamy "War Of Nerves."
A stylized piano opens the song, setting an urban tone. In the first verse, she receives a phone call from her boyfriend on Monday night. He explains to her that he has his airplane ticket. He will be moving to Europe as he planned. It also means that their relationship is over. He isn't interested in a long-distance romance and prefers to be single. She knows that it's a great opportunity for him. However, all she thinks of how rich and vibrant her life was with him. She will now to move to the next chapter in her life.
In the chorus, she says she doesn't want to go through the trauma of a breakup. She wants to cling to her life with him as long as she can. She doesn't want to experience the feeling of loneliness. He made her feel safe and complete.
In the second verse, she says being without a boyfriend will be an adjustment. She knew the day was coming. However, she blocked it in her mind. She imagines that he's still with her and that he will return within a week. Her boyfriend consoles her, telling her that she will be able to survive on her own. He says she has many choices she can make. Now's her chance to take advantage of what life has to offer her. However, she's nervous and thinks people will reject her ideas. "Battle through this wall of nerves/When your life it takes a turn/What I have is what I feel/Well in my mind you’re lying here/Fear that unholy trail there's a piece of me/In all he saidAll kinds are fixed up inside my head/The stage fright in my own bed (ah ah)."
The chorus is sung again.
In the bridge, she says she will be silenced. With him, she felt heard and that her opinions meant something. She wishes she could be unselfish and let him go without crying. However, she wonders if she will be shattered and unable to function ever again.
In the final extended chorus, she wonders if she will be a shadow of herself. Although she's disheartened, she does not regret her neediness. Her boyfriend has grown tired of her doom and gloom mentality. She takes his words the wrong. She thinks his criticism wasn't necessary.
For the first time since middle school, Price will be in a room with her thoughts. She will have to learn about herself without the aid of a guy. She has identified her so long with her dates, she has nothing left of her true personality. What does she like? What are her dreams? All of it has been decided by her before.
The rich, jazzy arrangement glides over the notes, pausing for the outpouring of doubt. But it never comes. Price's underwhelming vocals lack the skills to convey the insecurity to sell the song. Unfortunately, the single lags as a result.
"War Of Nerves" begs to be covered by a competent singer. It has an excellent instrumentation but little charisma.
Album: All Saints
Year: 1998
Shaznay Price is anxious about being alone in the creamy "War Of Nerves."
A stylized piano opens the song, setting an urban tone. In the first verse, she receives a phone call from her boyfriend on Monday night. He explains to her that he has his airplane ticket. He will be moving to Europe as he planned. It also means that their relationship is over. He isn't interested in a long-distance romance and prefers to be single. She knows that it's a great opportunity for him. However, all she thinks of how rich and vibrant her life was with him. She will now to move to the next chapter in her life.
"Monday on the line/When you know that now's the time/To leave and be free/Aware of your destiny/When that moment arrives/Worlds visions through the mind/And all I see Is what used to be/My life consumed be a memory."
In the chorus, she says she doesn't want to go through the trauma of a breakup. She wants to cling to her life with him as long as she can. She doesn't want to experience the feeling of loneliness. He made her feel safe and complete.
"I don't ever wanna feel pain/Wanna be ready when you call my name/I don't ever wanna feel fear/Cause every night feels alright when your near."
In the second verse, she says being without a boyfriend will be an adjustment. She knew the day was coming. However, she blocked it in her mind. She imagines that he's still with her and that he will return within a week. Her boyfriend consoles her, telling her that she will be able to survive on her own. He says she has many choices she can make. Now's her chance to take advantage of what life has to offer her. However, she's nervous and thinks people will reject her ideas. "Battle through this wall of nerves/When your life it takes a turn/What I have is what I feel/Well in my mind you’re lying here/Fear that unholy trail there's a piece of me/In all he saidAll kinds are fixed up inside my head/The stage fright in my own bed (ah ah)."
The chorus is sung again.
In the bridge, she says she will be silenced. With him, she felt heard and that her opinions meant something. She wishes she could be unselfish and let him go without crying. However, she wonders if she will be shattered and unable to function ever again.
"Don't wanna be like a voice without words/(‘Cause I need you here with me)/Don't wanna be unwilling this way (Will I suppress my fears)/And will I be, this war of nerves."
In the final extended chorus, she wonders if she will be a shadow of herself. Although she's disheartened, she does not regret her neediness. Her boyfriend has grown tired of her doom and gloom mentality. She takes his words the wrong. She thinks his criticism wasn't necessary.
“I don't ever wanna feel pain…I don't ever wanna feel pain/When it's over will I feel the same/
I don't ever wanna feel fear/This war of nerves that I reserved/For when you're here/I don't ever wanna feel pain/I'm feeling hurt but I feel no shame/I don't ever wanna feel fear/Do I deserve these cruel words we have here.â€
For the first time since middle school, Price will be in a room with her thoughts. She will have to learn about herself without the aid of a guy. She has identified her so long with her dates, she has nothing left of her true personality. What does she like? What are her dreams? All of it has been decided by her before.
The rich, jazzy arrangement glides over the notes, pausing for the outpouring of doubt. But it never comes. Price's underwhelming vocals lack the skills to convey the insecurity to sell the song. Unfortunately, the single lags as a result.
"War Of Nerves" begs to be covered by a competent singer. It has an excellent instrumentation but little charisma.