The Absentee Ballot
This Is Hell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Back home theres just melted wax on the concrete and I recall a heart so pure it that ceased to beat.
I haven't said nearly enough.
But I've already said far to much.
This is the best and worst things will ever get, so don't forget...back home they curse our names, but good or bad we all rot the same
The lyrics of Absentee Ballot by This Is Hell are deep and intense, highlighting the internal conflict of a person who has left their home town in search of something better, but is torn between the comfort of the known and the excitement of the unknown. The opening line depicts the stark contrast between the present and the past, a million candles lining the streets versus melted wax on the concrete. This contrast is accentuated by the memories of a pure heart that has now ceased to beat. The use of the word 'recall' suggests a certain sense of nostalgia and longing for the past.
The singer admits to not having said nearly enough, indicating a sense of regret about missed opportunities and a sense of loss about not being able to communicate more effectively. However, he has also said far too much, which could imply that he has said things that he should have kept to himself. This is where the conflict of the song lies - wanting to hold onto the past but also wanting to move on. The line "this is the best and worst things will ever get" highlights the paradox of life, that it is both amazing and terrible at the same time. The final line "back home they curse our names, but good or bad we all rot the same" is a reminder that we all have the same fate, regardless of our past actions.
Line by Line Meaning
A million candles line these streets.
The city has lit up with enthusiasm and hope, showing off its best side to the world.
Back home theres just melted wax on the concrete and I recall a heart so pure it that ceased to beat.
In contrast to the lively city, back home is dead and still, with the only evidence of life being the residue left behind.
I haven't said nearly enough.
The singer feels like they still have so much they need to say and hasn't fully expressed themselves.
But I've already said far to much.
At the same time, the artist realizes that they may have already revealed too much and may have regrets.
This is the best and worst things will ever get, so don't forget...
The artist believes that the present is a culmination of both good and bad experiences and that it will never get better or worse than this moment.
back home they curse our names, but good or bad we all rot the same
Despite the differences in experiences and how people perceive them, we all end up the same way in death.
Contributed by Elliot D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.