Originally recorded on the Whisper EP in … Read Full Bio ↴Written by: A. Lee and B. Moody
Originally recorded on the Whisper EP in 1998. There are currently 6 versions of the song. A demo version of Whisper contains sound clips from the William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet soundtrack. This version begins with a sample intro from "Death Scene" and "O Verona"[1]. There are a few versions of the song floating around the internet and various bootleg discs. One version has a burst of noise before the vocals in the intro sample (at approx 0:29). Another version does not have this burst of noise, but has distinct 'skipping' sounds that appear after the 0:30 mark.
At the beginning of the original version, the one on the Whisper EP, there is an introduction which is actually a part of the song itself played backward that culminates in a sound clip from the movie My World Dies Screaming, also known as "Terror in the Haunted House" (1958), the same film some clips on Understanding are taken from.
In the Fallen version, at the ending it says "Servatis a periculum, servatis a maleficum", which is roughly translated from Latin as "Save us from danger, save us from evil".
Whisper
Evanescence Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Say you're here and it's all over now
Speaking to the atmosphere
No one's here and I fall into myself
This truth drives me
Into madness
I know I can stop the pain
If I will it all away
Don't turn away (don't give in to the pain)
Don't try to hide (though they're screaming your name)
Don't close your eyes (God knows what lies behind them)
Don't turn out the light (you never sleep, never die)
I'm frightened by what I see
But somehow I know
That there's much more to come
Immobilized by my fear
And soon to be
Blinded by tears
I can stop the pain
If I will it all away
If I will it all away
Don't turn away (don't give in to the pain)
Don't try to hide (though they're screaming your name)
Don't close your eyes (God knows what lies behind them)
Don't turn out the light (you never sleep, never die)
Fallen angels at my feet
Whispered voices at my ear
Death before my eyes
Lying next to me, I fear
She beckons me, shall I give in?
Upon my end shall I begin
Forsaking all I've fallen for
I rise to meet my end
Don't turn away (don't give in to the pain)
Don't try to hide (though they're screaming your name)
Don't close your eyes (God knows what lies behind them)
Don't turn out the light (you never sleep, never die)
(Servatis a periculum) don't turn away (don't give in to the pain)
(Servatis a maleficum) don't try to hide (though they're screaming your name)
(Servatis a periculum) don't close your eyes (God knows what lies behind them)
(Servatis a maleficum) don't turn out the light (you never sleep, never die)
(Servatis a periculum) don't turn away (don't give in to the pain)
(Servatis a maleficum) don't try to hide (though they're screaming your name)
(Servatis a periculum) don't close your eyes (God knows what lies behind them)
(Servatis a maleficum) don't turn out the light (you never sleep, never die)
Servatis a periculum
Servatis a maleficum
Servatis a periculum
Servatis a maleficum
Servatis a periculum
Servatis a maleficum
Servatis a periculum
Servatis a maleficum
Servatis a periculum
Servatis a maleficum
Servatis a periculum
Servatis a maleficum
Servatis a periculum
The song "Whisper" by Evanescence is a dark and haunting song about the struggles of mental illness and the fear that comes with it. The opening verses describe the feeling of falling and being left alone, without anyone to turn to. The singer is speaking to the atmosphere, feeling helpless and driven into madness by her own thoughts. The repetition of the phrase "If I will it all away" suggests that she is contemplating suicide as a way to end her pain.
The chorus urges against turning away, hiding, or closing one's eyes to the reality of mental illness. The fallen angels and whispered voices create an eerie atmosphere, as death seems to be looming near. The singer is immobilized by fear and on the brink of tears, but still wishes to end the pain. The final verses suggest that the singer is being tempted by death itself, but is still unsure whether to take the plunge or not.
Overall, "Whisper" is a powerful and emotional song that conveys the intense struggle of living with mental illness. It highlights the importance of seeking help and support, and not giving in to the dark thoughts and despair that can often come with it.
Line by Line Meaning
Catch me as I fall
I am struggling and need help.
Say you're here and it's all over now
I need someone to comfort me and make me feel safe.
Speaking to the atmosphere
I feel alone and like no one is listening to me.
No one's here and I fall into myself
I am spiraling into my own negative thoughts and feelings.
This truth drives me
I am consumed by this emotion or reality.
Into madness
It's making me feel crazy and out of control.
I know I can stop the pain
I have the power to make it stop.
If I will it all away
If I just ignore it or focus on something else.
Don't turn away (don't give in to the pain)
Don't ignore me or my problems.
Don't try to hide (though they're screaming your name)
Don't pretend like you don't hear me or don't care.
Don't close your eyes (God knows what lies behind them)
Don't avoid the truth or reality of what's happening.
Don't turn out the light (you never sleep, never die)
Don't give up or lose hope.
I'm frightened by what I see
I am scared of what's happening or what's to come.
But somehow I know
There's a part of me that's still hopeful or optimistic.
That there's much more to come
I'm afraid of the future or the unknown.
Immobilized by my fear
I feel paralyzed or stuck by my emotions.
And soon to be
It's only getting worse.
Blinded by tears
I am overwhelmed and emotional.
Fallen angels at my feet
I feel surrounded by darkness or negativity.
Whispered voices at my ear
I feel like I'm being haunted or tormented by my thoughts and fears.
Death before my eyes
I am faced with the possibility of death or destruction.
Lying next to me, I fear
It's a constant presence or threat that I can't escape.
She beckons me, shall I give in?
I am tempted to succumb to my fears or negative thoughts.
Upon my end shall I begin
I am at a turning point or crossroads in my life.
Forsaking all I've fallen for
I am willing to sacrifice everything I once believed in or cared about.
I rise to meet my end
I am ready to face whatever comes next, even if it means the worst.
(Servatis a periculum) don't turn away (don't give in to the pain)
This Latin phrase means 'save us from danger' and is a cry for help.
(Servatis a maleficum) don't try to hide (though they're screaming your name)
This Latin phrase means 'save us from evil' and is another plea for help and support.
(Servatis a periculum) don't close your eyes (God knows what lies behind them)
This Latin phrase is repeated as a reminder to stay vigilant and aware of the truth and dangers in life.
(Servatis a maleficum) don't turn out the light (you never sleep, never die)
This Latin phrase means 'save us from the devil' and is a final plea to hold onto hope and perseverance.
Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Amy Lee, Ben Moody, David Hodges
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Marie McLellan-Hasty
on My Immortal
These wounds won't seem to heal, this pain is just too real. There's too much that time cannot erase...But you still have all of me
Marie McLellan-Hasty
on Bring Me to Life
Frozen inside without your touch, Without your love...All this time, I can't believe I couldn't see..you were there in front of me. Bring me to life, I've been living a lie, there's nothing left inside...Save me from the nothing I've become.