Anthem by Bring Me the Horizon Lyrics Meaning – Decoding The Apocalyptic Hymn
Lyrics
A dedication to the end of everything
This is an anthem, so fucking sing (so fucking sing)
A dedication to the end of everything
Someone call an ambulance, I got wounds to attend
Someone call a doctor, I fear this is the end
This happens all the time
This happens every day
But I never seem to quit
The wolves never stay at bay
I hate to say I told you so, but fuck it, I told you so
Don’t say a word, I already know
This is an anthem, so fucking sing
A dedication to the end of everything
This is an anthem, so fucking sing (so fucking sing)
A dedication to the end of everything
Someone call an exorcist and help me kill this curse
I can’t stop the bleeding and it’s only getting worse
This happens all the time
This happens every day
But I never seem to quit
The wolves never stay at bay
I hate to say I told you so, but fuck it, I told you so
Don’t say a word, I already know (I already know)
This is an anthem, so fucking sing (so fucking sing)
A dedication to the end of everything
Get the fuck up
This is it, the sound of giving in
Yeah, get the fuck up
This is it
The end of everything
Tastes so bitter, feels so sweet
Lost in a dream, never fell asleep
Tastes so bitter, feels so sweet
I’ve come back to old remedies
This is an anthem, so fucking sing
This is an anthem, so fucking sing
This is an anthem, so fucking sing
A dedication to the end of everything
This is an anthem, so fucking sing (so fucking sing)
A dedication to the end of everything, to the end of everything
This is an anthem, so fucking sing
A dedication to the end of everything
Amidst the cacophony of contemporary metalcore anthems, Bring Me the Horizon’s ‘Anthem’ emerges not only as a raucous soundtrack fit for the mosh pits but also as an intricate tapestry woven with existential threads. The song, a pulse-pounding number from their acclaimed third studio album, ‘There Is a Hell Believe Me I’ve Seen It. There Is a Heaven Let’s Keep It a Secret.’, delves deep into themes of despondency, resilience, and the human condition’s battle with its inner demons.
While the title might suggest a unifying chorus for the masses, the lyrics penned by frontman Oliver Sykes take the listener on a journey through the darker recesses of struggle and self-destruction. The so-called ‘anthem’ is paradoxical in nature, a rousing call to arms that also serves as a dirge presaging ‘the end of everything’. Its deeply emotional content challenges both mind and spirit, urging introspection on what truly warrants a unified voice to scream aloud.
The Dichotomy of Despair and Defiance
At the heart of ‘Anthem’ lies a profound contradiction that gives the song its raw power. The message is a dedication – not to a cause for celebration, but to the ominous ‘end of everything’. This duality showcases the anguish and frustration deeply embedded within the song, reflecting how life’s tumultuous journey can feel like a constant march towards an inevitable demise.
Yet, in this bleak reflection, there is an undeniable current of defiance. The repeated directive ‘so fucking sing’ is less of a request and more of a battle cry, a defiant challenge to the listener to raise their voice amidst the sorrow and pain. It’s this defiance, this willingness to shout even when the darkness looms largest, that so powerfully captures the essence of the human spirit.
An Ambulance for the Soul: Understanding the Lyrics’ Anguish
Sykes doesn’t shy away from vivid imagery, as seen in the lines ‘Someone call an ambulance, I got wounds to attend’ and ‘Someone call an exorcist and help me kill this curse.’ The metaphorical wounds and curses speak to a universal struggle with personal demons, be it depression, addiction, or existential dread.
The words paint a picture of a person at the brink of surrender, seeking but not always finding the redemption or release they long for. The portrayal of this ceaseless battle against one’s darker nature resonates with the listener, offering a brutal honesty about the human condition that’s rarely captured so viscerally in music.
The Hidden Meaning Behind the Wolves
‘Anthem’ repeatedly references the notion of wolves at bay, a haunting motif signifying never-ending battles and lurking dangers. Wolves, in literature and mythology, often embody the concept of a threat that is both internal and external, sneaking up on the unaware and weak.
In the context of the song, wolves could be symbolic of persisting challenges and the parts of oneself that must be constantly guarded against. There is a sense that survival is contingent upon vigilance and fortitude, themes that resonate deeply with those who fight daily to overcome personal adversity.
The Irony of the Euphony: A Metalcore Paradox
Bring Me the Horizon is revered for crafting noise that rattles both eardrums and hearts, and ‘Anthem’ is no exception. The explosive instrumentals and piercing vocals create a paradox where the joy of the music contrasts with the gravity of its message. The sound of giving in, as Sykes roars, is paradoxically powerful and energetic, beckoning a coming-together of shared despair.
The song, therefore, becomes a refuge for the like-minded – those who find solace in the solidarity of screaming as one. There is a morsel of irony to be savored in how the quintessential aggression of metalcore becomes the backdrop for an emotive community experience, touching upon the genre’s unique capacity to unite listeners under a banner of cathartic release.
Memorable Lines that Echo the End
‘Tastes so bitter, feels so sweet’ – these words echo through the bridge, encapsulating a paradox that is as much a personal confession as it is a universal truth. The bitter taste of reality, mixed with the sweetness of elusive dreams, speaks directly to the essence of human resilience and the complex relationship individuals have with their hopes and fears.
As listeners scream along to these lines, ‘Anthem’ transforms into more than a song; it becomes a powerful declaration that even as we march towards the end, we do so fully awake, tasting every last bittersweet moment life offers. These memorable lines strike at the core of our shared human experience, reminding us that even in the wake of surrender, there remains a sweetness worth savoring.
