Forty One Ways
Azam Ali Lyrics

The lyrics of Azam Ali’s song “Forty One Ways” appear to be exploring the theme of life and death, and the importance of free will and faith in navigating the challenges of existence. The first verse presents the concept of forty-one ways to die, which could be seen as a metaphor for the infinite number of potential dangers and pitfalls in life. However, the next line immediately counters this with the idea of one strong will to live, suggesting that despite the many dangers, there is also an innate desire to survive that can be a powerful force. The world is described as “all awry,” indicating that there is chaos and disorder that must be navigated.

The second verse presents an even more direct reference to suicide, with the image of being strapped to it like a prisoner. The singer is tender and sensitive, suggesting a vulnerability and an emotional connection to the concept of death. However, the line “with just one more place to be” adds a sense of urgency, and implies that there is a crucial decision to be made. The repeated chorus emphasizes the importance of free will and the need to fortify it in order to navigate the challenges of life.

The song as a whole seems to be exploring some of the most fundamental questions of human existence, such as why we are here and what we are supposed to do. The reference to faith as a battlefield suggests that there is a struggle between belief and doubt, and that this struggle can sometimes feel like a matter of life and death. The repeated references to being tender and feeling suggest that there is a deep emotional component to this struggle, and that finding a sense of purpose and direction can be a deeply personal and subjective experience.