Meaning of "Buried Alive" by Creature Feature

The lyrics of "Buried Alive" delve into the macabre and explore the attraction to death and darkness. The references to Edgar Allan Poe's works, such as "The Valley of Unrest," "Masque of the Red Death," "Murders in the Rue Morgue," and "The Oval Portrait," illustrate the influence of gothic literature and its themes of morbidity and desolation. The narrator's fascination with premature burial reflects a desire for escape from the constraints of life and a longing for the strange and mysterious. The repeated line "I can't explain just how it feels, the thoughts of my Premature Burial" suggests a deep yearning for the unknown and perhaps a sense of detachment from the mundane world.

The allusion to "The Oval Portrait" highlights the destructive power of art and its ability to consume the artist's life. The image of the narrator's house falling is symbolic of the collapse of their own existence, with the blame placed on the captivating portrait. The "Power of Words left unsaid" emphasizes the weight of unexpressed thoughts and desires, suggesting that the narrator's fascination with darkness and death may stem from unspoken emotions or hidden desires. The joining of "Spirits of the Dead" implies a longing to be part of a realm beyond the living, where silence and shadows thrive.

The second half of the song introduces additional literary references, including "The Man who's Used Up," "Descent into Maelstrom," "Bedlam," and "Redrum" (a nod to "The Shining"). These references highlight the narrator's sense of being worn out, trapped, and deceived by life. The line "Bet the Devil my Head" indicates a sense of desperation and willingness to engage in dangerous or destructive behaviors. The mention of "Heart under the floorboards" and "Lenore" (a reference to Poe's "The Raven") intensifies the theme of darkness and loss, alluding to emotional turmoil and an obsession with death.

Overall, the lyrics of "Buried Alive" depict a fascination with death, the allure of the macabre, and a longing for escape from the mundanity of life. It explores themes of premature burial, destructive art, hidden desires, and the yearning to join the realm of the dead.