Second Chance

• Original Release Date: June 24, 2008
• Label: Atlantic Records
• Copyright: 2008 Atlantic Recording Corp. for the United States and WEA International Inc. for the world outside of the United States
• Song Length: 3:40 minutes
• Genres: Rock/General, Pop/General
• ASIN: B001AXJ0GG

Every now and again a song is released that stands unparalleled by the artist's previous work and you just know that this song will go down as the band's signature tune. Shinedown's "Second Chance" is one of these songs. I remember when I first heard Audioslave's "Like A Stone" and got the same feeling I got when I first listened to "Second Chance", both have a deep and powerful meaning that can be appreciated by any Rock music lover. Sure its emotional and seemingly heartfelt, but that is why it is so good.

Listening to the lyrics and feeling the rhythm make this song what it is. We all have times when we must sacrifice something for the good of many, this song is about redemption for something done in the past. It would seem appropriate to relate it to martyrdom, in the sacrifice of yourself for a cause you believe in. The chorus goes as follows, "Tell my mother, tell my father I've done the best I can. To make them realize this is my life, I hope they understand. I'm not angry, I'm just saying, sometimes goodbye is a second chance." Clearly a shot at redemption for something that occurred in the past. The heartfelt pleading to the parents indicates the hope of understanding he asks of them. I know that I can empathize with the lyrics and I know I have sacrificed myself at times for the benefit of others, and I think any listener should be able to sympathize with this song.

It seems to me that some rock groups make one great song, even when they are usually a faster rock band they produce one or two songs that stand out from the rest. The songs are usually slower and contain a message about life in general. "Simple Man" by Lynyrd Skynyrd, "Lonely Day" by System of a Down, and the aforementioned "Like A Stone" by Audioslave, all come to mind when I think of this category. "Second Chance" is a catchy and well thought out song. Sure, it could just be the band's conformation into Pop-Rock, but I like to think of it as a true testament to the band's quality and ability. Producing a song like "Second Chance" seems to require humility, song writing talent, and playing ability, Shinedown has proved that they are capable of this with this song.