Meaning of "Seven Hells" by Brown Bird

"Seven Hells" delves into the internal conflicts and struggles that plague individuals, metaphorically represented as the seven hells. The lyrics highlight how these internal battles impale and divide us, causing a fragmentation of our identity. The line, "scatters our skin with the seed of our deeds devoured, on other worlds showered," suggests that our actions have far-reaching consequences and impact other realms beyond our own. It speaks of the interconnectivity of our actions and their lasting effects.

The lyrics further allude to various religious themes, mentioning the "seventh heaven's promise, the Gospel of Thomas, and the Shahadat's secrets." These references hint at the search for spiritual enlightenment and the desire for salvation. However, the fear of divine judgment and punishment in the form of "flesh reaping" creates an underlying sense of anxiety and unease. The mention of gathering gold for the grave represents a futile attempt to find solace or security in material possessions amid the uncertainty of the afterlife.

The theme of suffocation emerges in the lyrics, depicting a loss of breath or respiration due to the constraints imposed by conscience and societal norms. The "blind suffocation" suggests the stifling nature of these constraints, leading to an inability to fully express oneself or live authentically. The imagery of floodwaters swallowed and shed lung spires convey a sense of drowning or being overwhelmed. However, there is a call to break free from these limitations and breathe.

The lyrics also emphasize the power of lies and deception. It criticizes the idea that our souls are bound to the lies propagated by those in power, symbolized by the notion that "megaphones fill up the skies." This speaks to the manipulation and control exerted by those who disseminate false information or narratives. The lyrics challenge the idea that salvation or enlightenment can be found within these lies.

Overall, "Seven Hells" explores themes of internal struggle, the consequences of our actions, the fear of judgment, suffocation, the power of lies, and the absence of redemption or salvation. It delves into the existential angst that arises from these struggles but also offers a glimmer of hope in seeking liberation from the constraints imposed on us.