Scott Malcom: Music
substitution
Written in December of 2003, this is Scott's first song written after the end of his 10-year relationship in November. Full of anger and hurt, substitution is a haunting look at love and loss. This song was not intended for the "Shine" album, but after recording it, the producer insisted that it be included.
Drag me through the mire of your transgressions.
Burn the life I knew in effigy.
Tell me what we had wasn’t what you wanted,
and now you have the strength to bury me,
to set me free cowardly.
You cannot tell me what you did was for me.
You cannot convince me that I’m coping inadequately.
The fire that burned inside your soul flickered, faded, and turned cold
while mine still burned, mine still burned.
Fly at night and curse the light of reason.
Drop my hand and watch me fall away.
The altitude has given new perspective,
and I don’t know if I can really wait.
It’s getting late for me to wait.
Passion turned to plastic.
You said you didn’t know I would hurt this way.
A slight change of your focus, turn all your love away from me.
Play the fatal game of substitution.
Who your with won’t change who you are.
The problem lies within the one who threw it all away.
Your vision of yourself let it go too far.
It’s so bizarre to go this far.
Play the fatal game of substitution.