Cruel Road
Pallbearer Lyrics


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Old cruel road
It never ends
Tearing down
Every defense

It leaves me
Worthless
Wandering
I've lost my way so many times
From first breath
To final rest
I find the path always unwinds

My sunken hopes
Are buried deep
A revelation
Just beyond my reach

And thus
My journey's brought me home again
It's not what it used to be
Faded tracks recall my origins
And rekindle memories
Forsake that which
I worshipped then
A whole life in effigy
Set foot on the cruel road again
And pray this time will not leave me

Wordless
The constant sting
A future I will never know
Forgotten loves
Left bitter tastes
They died before a chance to grow

Those days alone
Fractured beliefs
Left tattered scraps
Of former peace

And thus
My journey's brought me home again
It's not what it used to be
Faded tracks recall my origins
And rekindle memories
Forsake that which
I worshipped then
A whole life in effigy
Set foot on the cruel road again
And pray this time will not leave me

Cannot
Let
The old times
Be my captor
The curse
Upon
My life
Must be shattered
Seize
Control
And slough
Away
The shackles
And tread
The world
Unbowed
Until my body collapses





On the cruel road

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Pallbearer's song "Cruel Road" paint a poignant picture of a weary soul's journey through life's trials and tribulations on a seemingly endless, cruel road. The repetition of the phrase "Old cruel road" serves as a powerful motif throughout the song, symbolizing the harsh realities and challenges that the singer faces. The road is described as relentless, tearing down every defense and leaving them feeling worthless and lost. This imagery conveys a sense of hopelessness and struggle, as they navigate through life's obstacles.


The lyrics delve into the singer's inner turmoil and introspection as they reflect on their life's journey. The lines "My sunken hopes/ Are buried deep" and "Forgotten loves/ Left bitter tastes" evoke a sense of loss and longing, as they grapple with past disappointments and shattered dreams. The theme of lost opportunities and unfulfilled potential is palpable, as they confront their own vulnerabilities and uncertainties.


Despite the sense of despair and resignation, there is a glimmer of resilience and determination in the lyrics. The singer acknowledges their past mistakes and shortcomings, yet finds the strength to confront their inner demons and break free from the shackles of the past. The lines "Seize/ Control/ And slough/ Away/ The shackles" reflect a desire for self-liberation and empowerment, as they strive to reclaim agency over their own life and destiny.


The song culminates in a powerful declaration of defiance and perseverance, as the singer resolves to tread the world unbowed until their very last breath. The image of collapsing on the cruel road suggests a sense of acceptance and perseverance in the face of adversity, embodying the unwavering spirit of resilience and endurance in the face of life's challenges. Overall, "Cruel Road" captures the bittersweet essence of the human experience, with its themes of struggle, redemption, and unyielding hope amidst the trials and tribulations of existence.


Line by Line Meaning

Old cruel road
The path of hardship and suffering


It never ends
It seems to be continuous and unending


Tearing down
Destroying


Every defense
Any form of protection or resistance


It leaves me
Causes me to feel


Worthless
Lacking value or importance


Wandering
Traveling aimlessly


I've lost my way so many times
I've become lost numerous times


From first breath
Since the beginning of my life


To final rest
Until my death


I find the path always unwinds
The road always seems to lead me astray


My sunken hopes
My lost dreams


Are buried deep
Are deeply hidden or forgotten


A revelation
A profound realization


Just beyond my reach
Just out of my grasp


It's not what it used to be
It has changed from how it once was


Faded tracks recall my origins
Diminished signs remind me of where I started


And rekindle memories
And bring back past experiences


Forsake that which
Abandon what


I worshipped then
I admired in the past


A whole life in effigy
A representation of my entire existence


Set foot on the cruel road again
Start the journey of suffering once more


And pray this time will not leave me
And hope that this time won't result in abandonment


Wordless
Lacking words


The constant sting
The ongoing pain


A future I will never know
A destiny I will never understand


Forgotten loves
Lost relationships


Left bitter tastes
Left unpleasant memories


They died before a chance to grow
They ended before they could develop further


Those days alone
The moments of solitude


Fractured beliefs
Damaged convictions


Left tattered scraps
Left torn remnants


Of former peace
Of previous tranquility


Cannot
Unable to


Let
Allow


The old times
Past experiences


Be my captor
Imprison me


The curse
The bad fortune


Upon
On


My life
My existence


Must be shattered
Must be broken apart


Seize
Take hold of


Control
Dominance


And slough
And discard


Away
Far from


The shackles
The restraints


And tread
And step


The world
The universe


Unbowed
Without giving in


Until my body collapses
Until my physical form weakens


On the cruel road
Within the realm of hardship and adversity




Lyrics © SC PUBLISHING DBA SECRETLY CANADIAN PUB., BMG Rights Management
Written by: Brett Daniel Campbell, James Devin Holt, Joseph David Rowland, Mark Alan Lierly

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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