Betrayal
Extol Lyrics


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Living amidst filth and dust
Crawling in mud searching for scraps
Excruciating stench of decaying remains
Constant starvation, a state of nothingness

Failing the overlooked, the ignored
Betraying the least of my brothers
You see them shivering, in solitude
Excluded, Imprisoned, defenseless
You see them tortured, abandoned
Laying on the ground left for dead

Failing the overlooked, the ignored
Betraying the least of my brothers
Failing Me

A refugee in a strange land
Mistrusted and hated
Human beings denied fundamental rights
Exposed to fear and intimidation

Desperate cries of dismay - isolated
Like worthless creatures - nonexistent

Betrayal of the outcasts
You are the accursed goats herded to doom




Turning away from the sight of the needy
Turn away from Me, to a place for the wicked

Overall Meaning

The opening lyrics of Extol's song "Betrayal" portrays a grim picture of suffering and desperation. The imagery of filth, dust, mud, decaying remains, and constant starvation paint a picture of desolation and hopelessness. The lyrics then shift from describing the experience of the marginalized to the failure to support them. The singer laments betraying the overlooked and ignored, especially the least of his brothers, who are excluded, imprisoned, defenseless, tortured, and left for dead. The theme of failing the vulnerable is reinforced in the chorus, with the repetition of "failing the overlooked, the ignored, betraying the least of my brothers/failing Me."


The second verse describes the plight of refugees, who are mistrusted, hated, denied fundamental rights, and exposed to fear and intimidation. The desperate cries of dismay and isolation, coupled with the imagery of being treated like worthless creatures, underscore the betrayal of outcasts. The final line of the song issues a warning to those who turn away from sight of the needy, calling them to turn away from a place for the wicked.


Overall, the lyrics of "Betrayal" call for empathy, compassion, and action towards the marginalized and vulnerable. The song denounces the failure to support those who are suffering and the betrayal of the least of one's brothers/sisters as a betrayal of the divine.


Line by Line Meaning

Living amidst filth and dust
Existing in an environment of dirt and dry particles


Crawling in mud searching for scraps
Crawling through the wet soil in search of the smallest bits of food


Excruciating stench of decaying remains
A very unpleasant smell of decomposing bodies


Constant starvation, a state of nothingness
A perpetual lack of food leading to emptiness


Failing the overlooked, the ignored
Not meeting the needs of those who have been disregarded


Betraying the least of my brothers
Deceiving and abandoning the most helpless members of society


You see them shivering, in solitude
You observe them trembling, alone


Excluded, Imprisoned, defenseless
Left out, confined, vulnerable


You see them tortured, abandoned
You witness them being subjected to cruel treatment, deserted


Laying on the ground left for dead
Reclining on the floor with no hope of survival


Failing Me
Disappointing the Lord


A refugee in a strange land
An individual who has fled to an unfamiliar country


Mistrusted and hated
Doubted and despised


Human beings denied fundamental rights
People deprived of basic entitlements


Exposed to fear and intimidation
Subjected to the threat of danger and harassment


Desperate cries of dismay - isolated
Sorrowful and hopeless wails - cut off from contact


Like worthless creatures - nonexistent
Similar to worthless animals - not even present


Betrayal of the outcasts
Treacherous actions towards the rejected


You are the accursed goats herded to doom
You are like the cursed goats being guided to their fate


Turning away from the sight of the needy
Looking away from those who require assistance


Turn away from Me, to a place for the wicked
Abandon Me and go towards a place of evil




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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

drummer1984

I recommend checking out the other bandmember's bands. Ole Børud (clean vocal/guitar in Extol) is in Fleshkiller.
Drummer and former Extol guitarist are in Azusa which has released two albums now.
Several of former Extol members are in other bands like Mantric and Lengsel :)

After 8 years since Extol broke up, former Extol vocalist is finally playing music again. His project Hrada, will release a single 17th of june this year! :)

Also worth checking out former projects. This song was also later recorded on an Extol album.
Ganglion's version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5b_SeEEMxfo
Extol's version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4OeZGC1bhU



All comments from YouTube:

Guitearist

It's unfair that these gents aren't massively famous. Not even coming from a religious standpoint, Extol are a treasure. Genius in all aspects.

Gee_JO!

They're highly respected in metal circles. One of Obscura's guitarists rates them highly. Before they split they were on tour with Opeth, God Forbid and Mastodon. That should tell you something. And when they came back they scooped an interview with The Wall Street Journal. They've contributed to the scene and are now doing their own things. I'm just glad we have them. Imagine what would have happened had they never picked up their instruments.

Roberto Reyes

Just incredible. That 9/8 fusion-esque chorus is just gorgeous. Love the visceral death brutality and prog metal elements.

laura masters

this is the first time i've ever heard of this band and their music is fantastic

Serlok Brixe

I just discovered this awesome band in March or so, and I love 'em! White metal is just like black metal, but not... White mteal is awesome! Extol is awesome! Thank you, Extol! We love you!

drummer1984

I recommend checking out the other bandmember's bands. Ole Børud (clean vocal/guitar in Extol) is in Fleshkiller.
Drummer and former Extol guitarist are in Azusa which has released two albums now.
Several of former Extol members are in other bands like Mantric and Lengsel :)

After 8 years since Extol broke up, former Extol vocalist is finally playing music again. His project Hrada, will release a single 17th of june this year! :)

Also worth checking out former projects. This song was also later recorded on an Extol album.
Ganglion's version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5b_SeEEMxfo
Extol's version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4OeZGC1bhU

Matt

Its a shame this album has gone so unnoticed. Its absolute music perfection.

Dan Andersson

Who would have thought that Believer and King's X influences work so great together. This song is pure gold!

Gee_JO!

When I discovered Extol long after they'd called it quits, I never thought they'd make a comeback album containing one of my favourite songs in their entire discography. Now that's what you call expert songwriting.

Rav David | Live Studio Sessions

I cry a little inside every time I hear this song. Damn beautiful work of art.

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