Tear You Apart…
The album cover art for She Wants Revenge's 2006 self-titled debut album
Tear You Apart is the second single from the 2006 self-titled album She Wants Revenge, by the San Fernando Valley based rock group of the same name. She Wants Revenge consists of singer and guitarist Justin Warfield, and multi-instrumentalist Adam Bravin. Warfield was originally a rapper, who’s 1991 single Season of the Vic reached #8 on the charts. Bravin was a DJ going by DJ Adam 12. The two of them formed She Wants Revenge in 2004, before getting discovered by Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst and then signed to Durst’s label Flawless Records in 2005. She Wants Revenge has released three studio albums, 2006’s She Wants Revenge, 2007’s This is Forever, and 2011’s Valleyheart.
Tear You Apart is easily She Wants Revenge’s most famous song, being certified platinum and reaching #6 on the US Alternative charts. The song features an up-tempo drum beat and driving bassline that maintains a frenetic pace through Warfield’s slightly monotone vocals. The effect is slightly unsettling, which perfectly complements the lyrics. Tear You Apart is a song about obsession, a song about an innocent crush becoming something darker. The lyrics talk of an aggressive desire that is both overwhelming and caustic at the same time. Tear You Apart has featured in many movies and television shows, including One Tree Hill, American Horror Story, and the movie The Number 23.
Why this song is important to me…
This is one of those songs that just sneaks into your head and refuses to leave. I first discovered She Wants Revenge years ago with another song. I don’t remember how I discovered Tear You Apart, but it’s one of those songs that I just love listening to when I’m wanting something edgier. A part of it is the very real meaning behind the lyrics. We’ve all had crushes before, but it’s the really dark ones that this song speaks about. It’s one of those things where I remember thoughts far tamer than the lyrics of this song, going through my head in middle school, back when everything felt like it was the most important thing ever. With age has come perspective and perspective has shown how caustic and unhelpful such things are. Either way, I really enjoy this song.