Winter
Terra Odium Lyrics
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Behold the gloomy tyrant's awful form
Binding the captive earth in icy chains
His chilling breath sweeps o'er the watery plains
Howls in the blast, and swells the rising storm
See from its centre bends the rifted tower
Threat'ning the lowly vale with frowning pride
A fearful ruin o'er their heads to pour
While to the cheerful hearth and social board
Content and ease repair, the sons of want
Receive from niggard fate their pittance scant
And where some shed bleak covert may afford
Wan poverty, amidst her meagre host
Casts round her haggard eyes, and shivers at
the frost
The lyrics of Terra Odium's "Winter" speak to the harshness and unforgiving nature of the season. The song paints a vivid picture of the winter landscape, describing the tyranny of the cold and the way it "binds" the earth in "icy chains." These descriptions are given a touch of personification as the "gloomy tyrant's awful form" is used to describe winter itself - a formidable, even fearful, presence.
The lyrics then shift their focus to the way in which winter's wrath impacts human and animal life. A "rifted tower" is described as a potentially fatal place of refuge for "scared flocks" seeking shelter from the harsh elements, while those who are fortunate enough to have comfortable homes and warm fires to gather around are contrasted with those living in poverty, for whom even finding a "bleak covert" is a challenge. The song emphasizes the dichotomy between those who have and those who have not, with nature's harshness exacerbating the differences.
Overall, the lyrics of "Winter" are a powerful and poetic rumination on the brutality of the season and the impact it has on life. The song is a reminder of the hardship that winter can bring, but also the resilience of those who are forced to face it.
Line by Line Meaning
Behold the gloomy tyrant's awful form
Winter is portrayed as a despotic ruler imposing his authority on Earth with a somber and intimidating presence.
Binding the captive earth in icy chains
Winter's influence has resulted in the Earth being immobilized by the constrictive grip of ice and snow.
His chilling breath sweeps o'er the watery plains
The cold, frigid air of Winter covers the waterways with a layer of ice, preventing any movement.
Howls in the blast, and swells the rising storm
Winter's strong winds whip violently, creating fierce and tempestuous storm conditions.
See from its centre bends the rifted tower
Winter's force is so mighty and harsh that structural integrity is compromised, and even buildings bend and crack under its power.
Threat'ning the lowly vale with frowning pride
The presence of Winter looms over the humble, low-lying valleys with a haughty and superior attitude.
O'er the scared flocks that seek its sheltering side
Scared animals seek refuge under any shelter visible and are easily identifiable under the shadow of Winter.
A fearful ruin o'er their heads to pour
Winter threats the lives of the vulnerable animal kingdom with its potential for destructive activity and permanent ruin.
While to the cheerful hearth and social board
In contrast, the warmth and lively fellowship of a hearth and social gathering of friends provide a stark difference to the desolation and coldness of Winter.
Content and ease repair, the sons of want
Those who are in need of comfort and relaxation may take solace in the welcoming opulence and warmth represented by a comfortable hearth and social gathering.
Receive from niggard fate their pittance scant
For those struggling to make ends meet, sometimes fate will provide only a small, meager offering – offering only a brief respite from everyday struggles.
And where some shed bleak covert may afford
Those unable to find such comfort may seek shelter wherever they can make-shift with what they have.
Wan poverty, amidst her meagre host
Winter has a particularly vicious impact on the impoverished, often amplifying the effects of their limited resources and stricken daily life.
Casts round her haggard eyes, and shivers at the frost
Poverty and her miserable cohorts are easily recognizable during the dejection and misery associated with having to endure Winter's bitter and biting cold.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Bollie Fredriksen
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind