Meaning of "The Ghost I Used To Be" by Pallbearer

The lyrics of "The Ghost I Used To Be" delve deep into themes of regret, acceptance, and self-realization. The narrator reflects on their past mistakes and failures, represented by the "strange shards" and "relics of the paths" they have followed to dead ends. The imagery of wounds and scars serves as a metaphor for the emotional baggage they carry, unable to fully heal or move on. They feel lost and directionless, unable to see a future beyond their mistakes, ultimately becoming a ghost of their former self. The yearning for freedom from this burden of regret is palpable, as they seek to shed their old skin and embrace their true self, even if it means facing the inevitable end. The idea of leaving behind a glowing husk as the ghost glides back into the dusk signifies a sense of closure and transformation, embracing the cycle of life and death.