Let It Kill Me

"Let It Kill Me"
Single by Something Clever
Released	April 17, 2020 (2020-04-17)
Recorded	November 2019
Genre	Alternative metal hard rock modern rock metalcore
Length	3:35
Label	Bunker Hill Records
Songwriter(s)	Adam Nelson Kelly Flusk
Producer(s)	Jordan Mattacchione Sam Ocheltree
Something Clever singles chronology
"Get With It" (2019) "Let It Kill Me" (2020) "11 Days" (2020)
Music video
"Let It Kill Me" on YouTube

"Let It Kill Me" is a song by the American rock band, Something Clever. It was officially released as a single on April 17, 2020 via Bunker Hill Records. ^[1] The single marked the band's first release since the departure of former band members Brett Baker, Lawrence "Lo" West, and Justin Tyme, and the first since lead singer Adam Nelson and lead guitarist Kelly Flusk transitioned the band into a duo.

Background and history

After finishing up 2019 with making notable performances at the Carolina Uprising music festival and touring alongside the metal band Swift on their reunion tour, celebrating the 20 year anniversary of their debut album "Thoughts Are Thoughts". In the last final days of December 2019, lead guitarist Kelly Flusk announced via social media that the band was seeking musicians—specifically guitarists, bassists, and drummers—for planned 2020 tour dates. Although no immediate clarification was provided, it was later confirmed that Something Clever would proceed as a duo, with vocalist Adam Nelson and guitarist Kelly Flusk remaining as the core members. The band indicated that future live performances would incorporate a rotating roster of touring musicians. ^[2]

On February 20, 2020, the band announced they would serve as the supporting act for Puddle of Mudd at two North Carolina concert dates: March 7 at The Fillmore Underground in Charlotte and March 8 at the Cone Denim Entertainment Center in Greensboro. For these performances, former bassist Colt Crevar and guitarist Brett Baker temporarily rejoined the group, accompanied by new touring drummer Alex Hough. ^[3]

On April 10, 2020, Something Clever revealed plans to release a new single, "Let It Kill Me", on April 17, 2020. The release was supported by an official music video directed by Tom Flynn, known for his work with artists including Lamb of God. ^[4]

In describing the meaning behind Let It Kill Me, the band described it as a love letter to those to continue pursuing their passion even when it feels rough. The phrase is borrowed from a longer quote credited to Charles Bukowski about letting something you love take you in instead of something hollow and meaningless. We were all born to do more. Further stating in a quote: ^[5]

"The song is the story of an artist asking the universe for the permission to pursue their life's passion, borrowing a phrase from a longer quote credited to Charles Bukowski, 'find what you love and let it kill you', and documenting the change their life has taken." ^[6]

Promotion and release

Due to restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the band transitioned to virtual promotional efforts, hosting livestreams question-and-answer sessions and previewing new material on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. ^{[7] [8]}

Personnel

• Adam Nelson – lead vocals, songwriter ^[9]
• Kelly Flusk – lead guitar, bass guitar, songwriter ^[10]

Technical credits

• Jordan Nicholas Mattacchione - producer ^[11]
• Sam Ocheltree - co-producer

References

1. "Something Clever: Let It Kill Me (Single) on Spotify - April 17, 2020 - Bunker Hill Records". Spotify. Spotify Music. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
2. "Something Clever's Adam Nelson, Kelly Flusk discuss the band's transition into a duo during the recording process of their new single "Let It Kill Me"". Mandy's Music. Mandy Parker. Retrieved 27 April 2020.
3. "Something Clever opens for Puddle of Mudd in Charlotte and Greensboro, the duo threatens to steal the show from future headliners". independentmusicguide.com. Stephanie Smith. Retrieved 10 March 2020.
4. "Shout out to Tom Flynn for shooting this video. Enjoy and let everyone know what you think in the comments!". Ethan Gibbons Facebook. Ethan Gibbons. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
5. "Something Clever describes meaning of latest single "Let It Kill Me"". Something Clever Archives. Something Clever. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
6. "Music Is Our Religion: Something Clever – Let It Kill Me". CheersToTheVikings.com. Cheers To The Vikings. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
7. "Adam will be LIVE at 8pm to answer all of your questions from last week's livestream!". Something Clever Archives. Brandon Hinson. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
8. "Join the stream tonight at 8:30pm EST. Adam will be hanging out and playing Star Wars Battlefront 2". Something Clever Archives. Adam Nelson. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
9. "Song Credits: Let It Kill Me - Something Clever". Apple Music. Bunker Hill Records. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
10. "LET IT KILL ME: SOMETHING CLEVER - SONG CREDITS - RELEASE HISTORY". Shazam. Bunker Hill Records.
11. "Something Clever – Let It Kill Me (Single)". Discogs. Discogs Staff. Retrieved 25 April 2025.