Eternal Rest by Avenged Sevenfold Lyrics Meaning – Uncoiling the Dark Tapestry of Melodic Metal

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for Avenged Sevenfold's Eternal Rest at Lyrics.org.

Lyrics

Black enchanting eyes,
Cut through my heart
With no regret or sign of life
They tear apart my pride
And cold runs through my veins
I feel their stare from miles
Haunting every step
And they won’t stop hunting me down
I know the time will come,
When all around me’s burned
And you’ll still see me there
Asking where you went too
And what person brought you here
And why you left the burning children
Cold out in the night
And calling for you all alone

Dark in their hearts,
I can feel it burn inside of me
Tormented young with no souls, haunting me
Pain in their lives all they know is misery
Take these chains away that are holding me down (holding me down)

They’ll find you alone
And your desperate and villainous ways
Turning their hearts into stone
They seek more then vengeance
Look in their eyes your pain is their satisfaction
Look in their eyes and see the darkness take hold
I’m controlled by fate (waiting for)
Tired of your parade (waiting for)
No sign of vengeance (waiting for)
Burn for the rest of time (waiting)

Hear the haunting words (They’ll find you alone)
Lost children with no heart are crying (Turning their hearts into stone)
And your the lost mother their calling (Go now, run and hide)
I hear them crying at night (your pain is their satisfaction)
Outside when the planets are falling (for the rest of time)
They want to feel and know you hear them (Go now, run and hide)

Dark in their hearts,
I can feel it burn inside of me
Tormented young with no souls, haunting me
Pain in their lives all they know is misery
Take these chains away that are holding me down (holding me down)

Go now
Run and hide

Eternal rest in time
Eternal rest in time

To the uninitiated, Avenged Sevenfold’s ‘Eternal Rest’ might come across as a high-octane blast from the heavy metal canon. Yet a deeper examination of its lyrics reveals a more complex layering – an interplay of darkness and despair interwoven with themes of vengeance and suffering. It’s a song that compels listeners to peer into the abyss of human emotion, showcasing the band’s proficiency in marrying aggressive riffs with compelling narratives.

Distilling the essence of this track requires not only an analysis of the words but also an understanding of the context within which Avenged Sevenfold crafts their musical journey. ‘Eternal Rest’ stands as a testament to the band’s ability to articulate a story that strikes a chord with the existential struggles of life and death, while simultaneously delivering a relentless auditory assault.

The Haunting Gaze: Eyes as Windows to a Tormented Soul

The opening lines of ‘Eternal Rest’ paint a vivid picture of desolation and heartache, as the protagonist’s heart is pierced by ‘Black enchanting eyes’ devoid of life or regret. This metaphor of gaze as a weapon cuts to the core of human vulnerability, suggesting a violation so profound that pride itself is left in tatters. The eyes that haunt the protagonist are pervasive, an unrelenting force that stalks every step, symbolizing an inescapable burden – possibly guilt, sorrow, or vengeful spirits.

This imagery set against Avenged Sevenfold’s backdrop of gritty guitar riffs and thunderous drumming creates a stark atmosphere that is both chilling and invigorating. The chilling element emanates from the loneliness that undercuts the song’s feel – an eerie reminder of the isolation inherent in grappling with inner demons.

Deciphering the Descent: A Dive Into the Abyss of Vengeance

There is a sinister undercurrent of vengeance that flows through ‘Eternal Rest.’ The lyrics speak to a future where everything has been razed to the ground, amidst which the speaker remains, questioning the fate of the departed. More intriguing, though, is the inquiry about ‘the person brought you here’ and the involvement of ‘burning children,’ possibly a reference to the collateral damage of wayward paths or the innocent victims of adult conflicts.

The quest for retribution seems to cast a long shadow over the protagonists within the song, hinting at the cyclical nature of violence and revenge. These lines serve as a stark reminder that actions have consequences, often ensnaring the most vulnerable among us, leaving a legacy of misery and echoing cries for warmth and connection.

The Unseen Shackles: Liberation from the Chains of Despair

Amid the thunderous assault of Avenged Sevenfold’s musical prowess lies a desperate plea for liberation. ‘Take these chains away that are holding me down’ provokes a yearning for escape from the heirs of darkness that haunt the protagonist. These chains are emblematic of the struggles that bind a person, be they the chains of past mistakes, lost love, or the heavy burden of sorrow that dampens the soul.

It is within these cries for release that ‘Eternal Rest’ shifts from a mere song to a cathartic experience. Each chord struck, every drumbeat serves as a metaphorical hammer against the shackles, rallying the listener to break free from whatever torments them, to embrace a future unfettered by the sins and grief of days gone by.

The Chorus of the Damned: Understanding the Song’s Hidden Meanings

Often, the true depth of a song can obscure itself behind layers of metaphor and allegory. ‘Eternal Rest’ is steeped in such hidden messages, seemingly touching upon themes of child neglect, loss of innocence, and the haunting guilt that follows. The ‘lost children with no heart’ evoke a sense of desolation and abandonment, possibly portraying souls that have been left to suffer in the aftermath of decisions made by others.

This recurring theme of youth tormented and devoid of hope reflects a harsh critique of society’s failings or perhaps the darker aspects of the human condition. The band does not shy away from confronting these uncomfortable truths, weaving them into the fabric of their music with a boldness that commands attention and introspection.

Lyrical Labyrinths and Memorable Lines: The Anchors of Emotion

Avenged Sevenfold’s mastery of language is evident in lines that stick with listeners long after the song ends. ‘They’ll find you alone, And your desperate and villainous ways,’ speaks to the inevitable reckoning that awaits those who tread down morally ambiguous paths. The imagery of ‘turning their hearts into stone’ symbolizes the hardening of one’s spirit as they navigate the trials of life, culminating in a chilling confrontation with the darker side of human nature.

Echoes of the verses resonate throughout ‘Eternal Rest,’ with ‘Hear the haunting words,’ ‘I hear them crying at night,’ and ‘Go now, Run and hide’ capturing the essence of the song’s haunting and evocative narrative. Through these powerful snippets, the songwriters harness the power of suggestion, letting listeners conjure their own interpretations and emotional connections.