Image of Control
Sumac Lyrics

The opening lines of the song "Image of Control" by Sumac speak about turning aside and how even though the eyes are steady, they still betray a deep-rooted fear that lies within. The next lines talk about how small and insignificant words fall to the ground like broken and hollow entities. The lines “Ruin has come not fire, or in ashen rain, only in turgid silence, hanging. Flayed" seem to suggest that destruction has come not in a violent way, but more in a subtle, silent and constant manner. The lyrics then start to paint a picture of the elements that have led to the ruin. The following lines talk about being submerged in a presence summoned, expanding with reach and filling rooms. This expanding darkness seems to come from tar choked springs, reeking of black star and shining with weary light. This is then followed by the lines “Bloodied eyes, no tears, bloodied eyes, no light, know not to what this moment's owed, only slipping in shuddering dance towards cold radiant dissolve." These lines refer to a state of total despair, where one is unable to cry or get any light, and they don't even know what has caused this moment, slowly fading away towards death.