On January 23, 2006, the band signed with Vagrant Records for Kezia's American release on April 4, 2006. Their second full-length album, Fortress was released by Underground Operations in Canada and by Vagrant Records worldwide on January 29, 2008. The band released their third studio album, Scurrilous, on March 22, 2011.
The band released their independent and latest album, Volition on October 29. 2013.
Members
Rody Walker – lead vocals
Tim Millar – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
Luke Hoskin – lead guitar, backing vocals, piano
Arif Mirabdolbaghi – bass guitar, backing vocals
Mike Ieradi – drums, percussion
Divinity Within
Protest the Hero Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dressed as a target as you amble in your chains
Stumble through the corridors that lead to our makeshift valley of death
The prison's backyard where you'll give us your final breath
Last night I saw you dine with lovers and human tears
But glanced at me in ways that brought to life my sleeping fears
That today you'll bite my neck and peel away the aging skin
Expose the lifeless body and the void divinity within
So tell me when I've read you your rights
When the guns are in their place
When your crime no longer seems absurd
What will you say Kezia when we ask what are your final words?
The lyrics above are from the song "Divinity Within" by the Canadian metal band Protest the Hero. The song is from their concept album "Kezia," which tells the story of a young woman named Kezia who is imprisoned, tortured, and executed for speaking out against the government. In this particular part of the song, the singer is addressing Kezia directly, describing her as she walks towards her execution.
The opening lines "This morning there are no rods or staffs to comfort you / Dressed as a target as you amble in your chains" reference the absence of religious symbols that would normally offer comfort to someone facing death. This suggests that the government is using religion as a tool to control and manipulate the population. The singer then describes Kezia stumbling through the prison corridors, which lead to a "makeshift valley of death," the prison's backyard where she'll be executed.
The next lines "Last night I saw you dine with lovers and human tears / But glanced at me in ways that brought to life my sleeping fears" paint a picture of Kezia enjoying her last meal with loved ones, but her glance towards the singer reflects her fear of what's to come. The final lines "Expose the lifeless body and the void divinity within / So tell me when I've read you your rights / What will you say Kezia when we ask what are your final words?" suggest that the government sees Kezia not as a human being but as a lifeless body with no divine soul. The singer asks what Kezia will say in her final moments, knowing that her death is inevitable and her thoughts are the only thing that she has control over.
Line by Line Meaning
This morning there are no rods or staffs to comfort you
You've been abandoned with no protection or solace.
Dressed as a target as you amble in your chains
You're a helpless victim on display, walking toward your fate in restraints.
Stumble through the corridors that lead to our makeshift valley of death
You're being led through a maze-like path towards an area where you will meet your end.
The prison's backyard where you'll give us your final breath
Your life will conclude in the open air of a prison yard.
Last night I saw you dine with lovers and human tears
You were seen dining with friends and expressing emotion just the night before.
But glanced at me in ways that brought to life my sleeping fears
However, your looks filled me with dread and brought my worst concerns to reality.
That today you'll bite my neck and peel away the aging skin
I fear that you will turn on me today, revealing the dark depths of your true nature.
Expose the lifeless body and the void divinity within
You will reveal that your soul is empty and your actions lack any sense of goodness or humanity.
So tell me when I've read you your rights
When you've been informed of your legal protections,
When the guns are in their place
When firearms are at the ready,
When your crime no longer seems absurd
When your actions have been judged as truly reprehensible,
What will you say Kezia when we ask what are your final words?
What final thoughts or words will you express when asked, Kezia?
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ARIF MIRABODLBAGHI, LUCAS HOSKIN, MORGAN CARLSON, RODY WALKER, TIM MILLAR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jack Brown
that opening riff is just timeless
Light ////
Only the realest G's listen to Protest the Hero
Michael Linn Jr
yes sir />/>/>/>
em0n1nja
Always come back to this amazing album a few times a year. A masterpiece before its time
DEATH BY BIG MAC IG reels
A beautifully crafted song. Thank you for the upload.
Sneaker Session
This album will always be one of my grails of all time. These guys did this shit like no one else
Jeff Hartmann
I wanna thank you for uploading this album. Because it's fucking perfect. And, I love you. Madly.
Brady Ward
Okay so it's extremely subtle but the transition at 1:20 right at the "Divinity Within" line is just unbelievably good
The Attic Review
💯 👏
Miigs
Insanely beautiful.