Meaning of "Word To The Wise" by Mastodon

The lyrics of "Word To The Wise" delve into the allure and dangers of succumbing to temptation. The opening lines, "Diamond in the wishing well, Fallen underneath its spell," convey the idea of being captivated by something seemingly alluring but ultimately detrimental. The speaker seeks salvation from the "wicked ways" that are pulling them down. The reference to the "silver line" and "burning ground" suggests that the temptations are leading them towards challenging or dangerous circumstances.

The mention of "siren sounded" signifies a warning that the speaker fails to heed. This could refer to both literal warnings that go unnoticed or ignored, as well as internal intuition or moral compass that is disregarded. There is a sense of willful blindness to the consequences of their actions.

The lyrics also touch upon self-discovery and the quest for true happiness. The lines "Found the one I'd never sell, One I thought I'd never find" hint at the discovery of something or someone precious and irreplaceable. This could represent a personal revelation or a connection with another individual. The speaker takes on the task of "searching through the layers of filth" to uncover the source of light or purity within themselves or their environment.

Despite the warnings and their own inward reflection, the speaker realizes they are responsible for their own suffering. The repeated line "I fell into a pit of lies" emphasizes their acknowledgement of their own choices and actions leading to their downfall. The lyrics suggest a sense of surprise and introspection, as they come to the realization that they are to blame for their own misery, metaphorically represented by the rain.

Overall, "Word To The Wise" explores themes of temptation, self-discovery, and personal accountability. It underscores the importance of recognizing the consequences of one's actions and the need to listen to warnings and internal intuition.