Paroxysm Of Fear
Burning the Masses Lyrics
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Planned creation
Naked and lost
Given the light that burns out.
In "Paroxysm Of Fear," Burning the Masses reflects on the idea of forced creation and the anxiety that comes along with it. The lyrics suggest that the subject is brought into this world without any agency or control, stripped of all familiarity. This is compounded by the fact that the subject is given a fleeting moment in the spotlight, only to have it taken away by the inevitability of time. The theme of fear is central to the song, as the subject is forced to confront the uncertainty and lack of control that pervades their situation.
The first line of the song, "Forced into existence," sets the stage for a powerful narrative about the anxiety of creation. The use of the word "forced" implies that the subject had no say in their own existence, which is a terrifying concept when you really think about it. The second line, "Planned creation," further emphasizes this idea, as it suggests that the subject was created by someone or something with a specific intention in mind. The third line, "Naked and lost," describes the subject's state of being as vulnerable and disoriented. Finally, the fourth line, "Given the light that burns out," refers to the metaphorical light of existence that is extinguished when life inevitably comes to an end.
Line by Line Meaning
Forced into existence
Thrust into being against our will
Planned creation
Our existence predetermined by some outside force
Naked and lost
Born without direction or guidance, left to fend for ourselves
Given the light that burns out
Bestowed with life that will inevitably come to an end
Contributed by Samuel J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.