"Heart Of The Giant" by Amorphis describes a world in decline, where the sky turns red, the land becomes desolate and poisoned, and the birds fall silent. The narrator runs in a different direction and finds themselves descending into the otherworld through a crack in the mountain. They are carried by a river, which transforms into a vein, leading them to a crimson hall filled with flickering pictures of the world. The hall emits a pealing and rumbling sound. The narrator realizes that the pictures on the walls represent their lives and the songs of triumph have faded and died.

Meaning of "Heart Of The Giant" by Amorphis

The lyrics of "Heart Of The Giant" metaphorically depict a world in a state of decay and turmoil. The description of the red sky, poisoned river, desolate land, and abandoned huts and castles highlights the destruction that has befallen the world. The birds falling silent symbolize the loss of innocence and the absence of joy. The narrator's decision to run in a different direction indicates their desire to escape this crumbling reality.

The crack in the mountain represents a gateway to the otherworld or an alternate dimension. The descent into the otherworld signifies the narrator's journey into a realm beyond ordinary existence, a realm associated with death and darkness. The river evolving into a vein suggests a transition from the external world to the internal realm of the self. The crimson hall adorned with flickering pictures symbolizes the collective memories and experiences of humanity. However, the pealing and rumbling sound emanating from the hall indicates the fading and erosion of these memories.

The lyrics suggest that the world depicted in the crimson hall is an enduring representation of human existence, constantly dancing and flickering, yet ultimately transient. The mention of "the mountain of time" reinforces the notion that these pictures capture the passing of time and the inevitability of change and decay.

The final lines of the song convey a sense of loss and resignation. The songs of triumph, once celebrated and filled with hope, have now been silenced and faded away. This implies the eventual demise of human achievements and the fleeting nature of success. The narrator acknowledges the descent into the realm of death in "Manala's stream," accepting into the inevitability of mortality.

Overall, "Heart Of The Giant" offers a dark and introspective exploration of the human condition, evoking themes of decay, loss, and the transitory nature of life's triumphs and memories.