Jekyll And Hyde
Steve Hackett - GTR Lyrics

The lyrics of "Jekyll And Hyde" by Steve Hackett - GTR delve into the psychological struggle between two opposing sides of the singer's personality. The opening lines, "I hear thunder from the mountain, Trying to split my personality" suggest an imminent internal conflict. The thunder symbolizes the brewing tension and the mountain represents the height of the singer's mental struggle.

The next two lines, "I see burning on the hillside, Darkness till the break of day" paint a vivid picture of the chaos and inner turmoil. The burning hillside symbolizes the destructive nature of the singer's internal battle, and the darkness until daybreak represents the endless cycle of this struggle.

The subsequent lines introduce elements that further illustrate the singer's psychological state. "The wind that blows, A Dog that bites" symbolize the unpredictability and possible harm that accompanies the singer's journey. "Recurring dreams, Another night" portrays the persistent nature of the struggle, as the singer is haunted by the same dreams and faces the same internal conflict night after night.

"Underground through the marshes, Got to keep the hounds at bay, I know" evokes a sense of desperation and the need to navigate treacherous terrain to protect oneself from external threats. The mention of hounds suggests outside forces that could amplify the singer's internal struggles.

The lines "Can't move, my feet are frozen, There's a pounding in my head" intensify the feeling of being trapped and overwhelmed. The singer is paralyzed, physically and mentally, unable to escape the torment. The pounding in the head represents the internal battle raging within the singer's mind.

The lyrics then introduce the metaphor of a door, "The horn that sounds, I'm through the door." This door symbolizes a turning point or a pivotal moment when the singer needs to make a decision. "My body's trembling, Turn on the light" portrays the singer's nervousness and the need for clarity. The light serves as a metaphorical revelation or self-realization.

The final lines, "Is the mirror lying? I must decide, If I'm Doctor Jekyll, Or Mr. Hyde" reveal the core conflict of the song. The singer questions their own identity and wrestles with the duality of nature. The mirror represents self-reflection and introspection, while the choice between Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde represents the struggle between good and evil within the singer's own psyche. It is a decision that will define their true self.

In summary, "Jekyll And Hyde" explores the internal struggle between two sides of the singer's personality. The lyrics take us through the chaos, desperation, and internal conflict faced by the singer. The metaphorical elements, such as thunder, burning hillside, recurring dreams, and the door, create a vivid depiction of the psychological battle taking place within the singer's mind. Ultimately, the lyrics question the singer's true identity and the decision they must make to determine if they are Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde.