Meaning of "A Day for the Hunter, A Day for the Prey" by Leyla McCalla

These lyrics seem to reflect a deep connection to the cycle of life and death, with a focus on the collective rather than the individual. The singer's request for prayers for others instead of themselves suggests a selflessness and an acknowledgment of the broader human experience. The repetition of the line "A day for the hunter, a day for the prey" reinforces the idea that life is a series of roles and relationships, where each individual is both hunter and prey at different times. By asking for prayers for those who have gone before or have been taken, the singer shows a reverence for the past and a recognition of the fragility of life. The somber tone and sparse instrumentation evoke a sense of introspection and contemplation, inviting listeners to reflect on their own mortality and connection to the larger cycle of existence.