Meaning of "Been Down This Road" by Railroad Earth

The lyrics of "Been Down This Road" by Railroad Earth reflect on the personal struggles and difficulties that the narrator has faced in their life. The opening line mentions the "amen corner," suggesting a religious or spiritual element to the story. The narrator encounters a person, possibly a lover or someone significant, standing in a doorway. This person seems to have a profound impact on the narrator, as they gaze into their eyes and see the reflection of their own troubled past. The "shadows" mentioned represent the burden of past mistakes and hardships that have weighed them down. The narrator acknowledges that these shadows can eventually drag a person down if they linger. They express a clear desire to break free from this cycle, rejecting the path they have previously taken. The repetition of "I don't go there anymore" emphasizes their determination to move forward. It seems that the narrator has been emotionally damaged and has been pushed to their limit by someone who is symbolized as a devil. This person has the power to manipulate and hurt the narrator by pressing their emotional buttons. The fires burning in hell and flowing in their veins suggest intense emotional turmoil and pain. Despite this, the narrator recognizes the destructive pattern they have been caught up in. They mention knowing how the story goes, highlighting their familiarity with this harmful cycle. The desire to even up the score may indicate a longing for justice or resolution. Overall, the lyrics convey a compelling narrative of someone who has experienced turmoil and hardship, but has reached a point where they are determined not to repeat the mistakes of the past.