I don’t always listen to Audioslave, but when I do, the musical onslaught begins with this song. Sorry Cochise, straight to track #2. It hasn’t always been this way… The ominous atmosphere that acts as a backdrop for the desperate passion existing in the repetitive nature of Chris Cornell’s roaring of “SHOW ME HOW TO LIVE” to end this song has taken on new meaning since May 18th of 2017. That is the date Cornell took his own life. An act that continues to confuse and haunt me ALREADY three years ago.
His lyrics plead with his creator, seeking guidance, reasoning or just any acknowledgement. Begging for purpose, some counsel on how to work through each day. Although some short research on popular opinion points to the song being written in first person from the mind of Frankenstein’s monster, any active listener cannot help but associate these heartbreaking lyrics with the song’s creator. In fact, the repetitious use of the title of the track at the conclusion of the song, as referenced earlier, only adds to the anxiety filtered throughout the song, forcing listeners to share in Cornell’s agony as his requests seem to go unanswered.
The self-titled album was released in November of 2002, which is in itself a lifetime ago. This specific song is essentially perfect both musically and lyrically, painting a vivid picture of what you should expect as you continue the journey throughout this 14 track (!!!) masterpiece. Already seasoned musicians from earlier monumental stints with Rage Against The Machine and Soundgarden, this is anything but an actual debut album for a band. Just as the album does, Show Me How To Live immediately grabs you by the throat and demands your undivided attention. You will be left panting and yearning for more as the echo of Cornell’s voice reverberates through your headphones, forcing you to hit repeat. Though insignificant and potentially nonexistent details to a casual listener, Tom Morello’s use of specific breaks in guitar riffs in each verse, allowing Brad Wilk’s drums to act as the sole backdrop to Cornell’s vocals, brings this song to next-level musical brilliance. The band made it impossible to ignore their attention to every detail with this song. Even Cornell’s subtle moaning into the microphone to introduce his voice on the track actively stands out, further validating the “super group” designation given to Audioslave’s creation.
Anyone reading this may ask, “Why should I care? This is so 2002.” But arguments like that justify the point that music like this should not be forgotten, replaced or abandoned. Audioslave was a shock to the system, churning out three magnificent albums in the span of five short years, only to disappear from celebrity and seemingly daily playlists. Analysis of every detail, or track, should be executed, if only to celebrate the genius that was Audioslave. However, this train of thought is not solely required only for this band. A great fear exists in me that in this age of information-grabbing, needing the next best thing immediately, we may forget to stop and enjoy brilliance and ingenuity when it is right in front of us. Taking time to fully appreciate another’s work or thoughts is a dying art of the human soul. Show Me How To Live won’t be the last song analysis that I write, but what a song to begin this campaign with!