Samsara
Parkway Drive Lyrics


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Freedom is slavery
War is peace
Ignorance is strength
Existence is suffering
Existence is suffering
Existence is suffering
Suffering
Suffering
Suffering





Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Parkway Drive's song "Samsara" are profound and thought-provoking. The lines "Freedom is slavery, War is peace, Ignorance is strength" come from George Orwell's book "1984" and serve as a warning about the dangers of totalitarianism. The idea is that those in power can convince the masses that the opposite of what they are experiencing is true. For example, in a world where freedom is actually slavery, those who are enslaved might believe they are free because they have been taught this is true. This causes the masses to accept their suffering and oppression as the normal order of things.


The next line "Existence is suffering" is derived from Buddhist philosophy. It posits that the root of all suffering is the attachment to desires and material possessions. It means that we can never be truly happy or satisfied because we are always wanting more. This is in contrast to the capitalist view that if we accumulate more wealth and possessions, we will be happier. As the song repeats the line "Existence is suffering," it emphasizes the futility of trying to escape suffering as it is an inherent part of the human experience.


"Samara" is a Hindu and Buddhist concept that refers to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. The song seems to ask whether it's possible to break out of this cycle and achieve enlightenment, or if we are doomed to keep repeating our mistakes. The chorus emphasizes that we cannot escape from suffering and that we must learn to live with it.


Line by Line Meaning

Freedom is slavery
The illusion of freedom creates a society where individuals become enslaved by their own desires and egos, and ultimately become servants to an oppressive system.


War is peace
The perpetual state of war keeps the masses focused on external threats, distracted from internal problems, and willing to compromise their own freedom for the illusion of security.


Ignorance is strength
A society that values ignorance over knowledge ensures that those in power can maintain control over the population because they are less likely to question the status quo or pursue their own interests.


Existence is suffering
Life inherently includes hardships, pain, and struggles, and these experiences are an inevitable and integral part of the human condition.


Existence is suffering
The nature of existence is such that all beings are subject to physical, emotional, and spiritual pain and suffering.


Existence is suffering
The futility of trying to escape the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in Samsara means that suffering is a constant companion to all who live.


Suffering
The reality of pain and hardship is an inescapable aspect of life that must be confronted and experienced in order to find meaning and purpose in existence.


Suffering
The pain and struggles we experience in life are an opportunity for growth, learning, and developing resilience and compassion.


Suffering
The recognition and understanding of the universality of suffering can help individuals find common ground and connection with others, and allow for collective healing and transformation.




Contributed by Mackenzie I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@MrCharlie066

10 year anniversary of Deep Blue, going through the album again. How good is this.

@ShapeShifterPB

One of the best albums of all time

@bvanquish777

Like the First Time.

@HisPeopleRestored

Still my favorite intro of all time

@alexanderfullerton6184

This band is incredibly aware and conscious, Samsara is the Buddhist cycle of life and death, and another belief of Buddhism is that there is suffering in the world and in life. "Existence is Suffering!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Many of their other songs hold philosophical meanings behind them also.

@SaadRKhan

So? Most metalcore/hard rock bands use strong philosophy in their music, that's how this genre sells.

@ArtSnob101

Very cool

@bvanquish777

Karma.

@chloepoole3915

​@@SaadRKhanso to your comment mate ... hope you have moved on from this stale mindset

@SaadRKhan

​@@chloepoole3915 yeah it's been 3 years, I realized how corny that sounded lmao, still think think the band is mediocre but yes I possess a better mindset now I think

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