Invictus
Carved in Stone Lyrics


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Out of the night that covers me,
black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
for my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
my head is bloody, but unbow'd.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
looms but the horror of the shade,
and yet the menace of the years
finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
how charged with punishment the scroll:




I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul…

Overall Meaning

The above lyrics are from the song "Invictus" by Carved in Stone. The song is inspired by a poem of the same name by William Ernest Henley. The opening lines of the lyrics set the tone of the song, describing the darkness and bleakness of life. The singer expresses gratitude to the higher power for giving him an unconquerable soul that has helped him withstand the trials of life.


The second verse elaborates on the difficulties the singer has faced in life. He has been struck down by circumstances beyond his control but has not given up or cried out, indicating his resilience and strength. Despite being beaten down, he has not bowed down or given up in the face of adversity.


In the final verse, the singer acknowledges that there is no escape from death, and even though it may seem daunting, he will meet it with courage and a sense of control. He proclaims himself the master of his fate and the captain of his soul, indicating his belief in personal responsibility and determination.


Overall, the song is a powerful message of resilience, courage, and determination in the face of adversity.


Line by Line Meaning

Out of the night that covers me,
In the darkness that envelops me,


black as the pit from pole to pole,
as dark as the depths of any pit,


I thank whatever gods may be
I express gratitude to any deities that exist,


for my unconquerable soul.
because my spirit cannot be defeated.


In the fell clutch of circumstance
While grappling with harsh conditions,


I have not winced nor cried aloud.
I have neither flinched nor let out a cry.


Under the bludgeonings of chance
Despite being mercilessly battered by fate,


my head is bloody, but unbowed.
my mind may be wounded, but my resolve remains strong.


Beyond this place of wrath and tears
In a realm beyond this land of anger and sorrow


looms but the horror of the shade,
only the terrifying darkness of death looms.


and yet the menace of the years
Despite the ominous approach of time,


finds and shall find me unafraid.
I will remain fearless now and in the future.


It matters not how strait the gate,
The narrowness of the path is of no consequence,


how charged with punishment the scroll:
Nor the extent of punishment written in the scroll:


I am the master of my fate,
I alone control my destiny,


I am the captain of my soul…
And I am the one who steers my spirit.




Contributed by Annabelle N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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