Penance
Device Lyrics


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In the perfect dark, a botticellian angel exists
The elusive partner puts her key in my hand
A fairly simple gesture, shrouded in evil
As she distorts, it becomes easy to understand
Lost in her piercing eyes
As everything around me, dies

Well, can you make the nightmares go away
Can you pull the demon from inside?
Will penance make the nightmares go away?
And save me from this endless night

In the choking dark, I try to move, I'm unable
A hundred thousand moving creatures, tickle my flesh
I feel the heat, it's getting harder to breathe
I feel the panic taking hold, for I'm beginning to understand
The only way I'll be saved
Is if someone breaks into my grave

Well, can you make the nightmares go away
Can you pull the demon from inside?
Will penance make the nightmares go away?
And save me from this endless night

Don't need it, don't want it
No more sedation, no more sedation
Don't need it, don't want it
Eradicate this endless aching inside
Don't need it, don't want it
No more sedation, no more sedation
Don't need it, don't want it
Eradicate this endless aching inside

Well, can you make the nightmares go away
Can you pull the demon from inside?
Will penance make the nightmares go away?
And save me from this endless night

Well, can you make the nightmares go away
Can you pull the demon from inside?




Will penance make the nightmares go away?
And save me from this dreadful night

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Device's song Penance reflect a struggle with one's inner demons and the desire for redemption. The opening lines use imagery of a Botticellian angel in a perfect dark, suggesting that there is beauty and grace even in the midst of darkness. However, the elusive partner who puts her key in the singer's hand is shrouded in evil, suggesting that the path to redemption is not a simple one. As the partner distorts, it becomes easier to understand the darkness that surrounds her.


The second verse describes a sense of paralysis and vulnerability, with the singer unable to move and feeling the tickle of a hundred thousand moving creatures on his flesh. This is accompanied by a growing sense of panic, as he realizes that the only way he can be saved is if someone breaks into his grave. The chorus repeats the question of whether penance can make the nightmares go away and pull the demon from inside, offering a way out of this endless night.


The final verse repeats the phrase "Don't need it, don't want it," suggesting a rejection of the sedation or coping mechanisms that the singer has been using to deal with his demons. He wants to eradicate the endless aching inside and find a way to be saved from this dreadful night. Overall, the lyrics of Penance convey a sense of despair and longing for redemption, with the repeated questions in the chorus highlighting the singer's uncertainty and desperation.


Line by Line Meaning

In the perfect dark, a botticellian angel exists
Amidst the blackness, a beautiful angel is present


The elusive partner puts her key in my hand
The mysterious partner entrusts me with a key


A fairly simple gesture, shrouded in evil
The seemingly uncomplicated action has sinister implications


As she distorts, it becomes easy to understand
Her true nature is revealed in her contorted form


Lost in her piercing eyes
Enveloped in her intense gaze


As everything around me, dies
As the world falls apart around me


Well, can you make the nightmares go away
Can you bring an end to the horrific visions?


Can you pull the demon from inside?
Can you rid me of the inner turmoil?


Will penance make the nightmares go away?
Will atonement alleviate the nightmares?


And save me from this endless night
And deliver me from this everlasting darkness


In the choking dark, I try to move, I'm unable
Trapped in the suffocating dark, I struggle to escape


A hundred thousand moving creatures, tickle my flesh
Countless writhing beings crawl over me, causing discomfort


I feel the heat, it's getting harder to breathe
The temperature rises, making it difficult to inhale


I feel the panic taking hold, for I'm beginning to understand
Intense fear sets in as I start to comprehend the situation


The only way I'll be saved
The sole means of salvation


Is if someone breaks into my grave
Is if another person digs up my burial site


Don't need it, don't want it
I do not require or desire it


No more sedation, no more sedation
No more numbing of the senses


Eradicate this endless aching inside
Eliminate this ceaseless pain within


Well, can you make the nightmares go away
Can you banish the terrifying dreams?


Can you pull the demon from inside?
Can you liberate me from my inner demon?


Will penance make the nightmares go away?
Will repentance bring an end to the nightmares?


And save me from this endless night
And free me from this interminable darkness


Well, can you make the nightmares go away
Can you put an end to the nightmares?


Can you pull the demon from inside?
Can you remove the inner demon?


Will penance make the nightmares go away?
Will making amends relieve the nightmares?


And save me from this dreadful night
And rescue me from this awful night




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVID DRAIMAN, GENO LENARDO

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@TastyKibble14

In the perfect dark, a botticellian angel exists
The elusive partner puts her key in my hand
A fairly simple gesture, shrouded in evil
As she distorts, it becomes easy to understand
Lost in her piercing eyes
As everything around me, dies

[Chorus:]
Well, can you make the nightmares go away
Can you pull the demon from inside?
Will penance make the nightmares go away?
And save me from this endless night

In the choking dark, I try to move, I'm unable
A hundred thousand moving creatures, tickle my flesh
I feel the heat, it's getting harder to breathe...
I feel the panic taking hold, for I'm beginning to understand.
The only way I'll be saved
Is if someone breaks into my grave

[Chorus]

Don't need it, don't want it
No more sedation, no more sedation
Don't need it, don't want it
Eradicate this endless aching inside
[x2]

[Chorus x2]



All comments from YouTube:

@jonathanjawfall7042

David Draiman is my all time favorite vocalist FUCKING EVER!!! His vocals are so unique and stand out among all other vocalists. Keep doing what you do, David. Haters hate what they can't Imitate.

@theomegawerty

Jonathan Morris Klayton. All the way. give him a try if you havent...he is an epic vocalist and genre spanning artist through his music under the title Celldweller

@wolfgamin2.0

True

@888onenight

Girlfriend: I'll do anything for you
Me: CAN YOU MAKE THE NIGHTMARES GO AWAYYYYY

@mkmike4903

shut the hell up

@Ankisuruu

Damn that voice after David says ''When everything around me DIEEEEEES!'' gives that strong feeling i love this song.

@OmegaKingHyperionPX9

only wish haters and even fake fans go away, this music kick ass.

@skboutdooradventures4561

For me David is what makes Disturbed !! It's his unique vocals.  AS much as I loved Mike's double bassing and awesome skin skills, and the rest of the band's skills on guitars - the reason I am now a massive Device fan is simple - David Draiman.

@ZIEFER604

Props to every musician who put work into this album.It's not just Draiman's who contributed.People seem to forget that.Rock on guys.

@kylefarren811

every fan of david draiman knows every song he creates has a meaning / story to it sure some people don't like his music but every ppl that disliked his music helps in a way to make his music much better i been a huge fan of david since midnight club LA came when i listened to indestructable for my first time my life has turned ad now i can't be any more happy

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