Meaning of "Subtle Change (Including the Forest of Transition and Dissatisfaction Dance)" by Rivers Of Nihil

The lyrics of "Subtle Change" delve into themes of personal transformation, dissatisfaction, and a yearning for purpose. The song captures the experience of feeling disconnected from one's own identity and the struggle to comprehend the changes occurring within oneself. The "subtle change" mentioned in the lyrics represents a gradual but profound shift in the narrator's perception and understanding of their existence.

The mention of a "dull, sweet ache" conveys a bittersweet longing for something beyond the grasp of comprehension. The place "where nothing can see" suggests an uncharted realm of the mind, possibly symbolizing a state of being disconnected from one's surroundings or feeling invisible to the world. The dissatisfaction expressed by the narrator highlights their struggle to reconcile their current state with who they were before this transformative experience.

The presence that the narrator feels watching and moving within them represents an external force or influence that has invaded their being. This entity is associated with sickness and decay, symbolizing a destructive or corrupting influence. The entropic visions further emphasize the unraveling nature of the narrator's identity and perception. Death looms above, and rot lies beneath, signifying the dark and unsettling forces at work.

The lyrics also touch upon a sense of confusion and amnesia, with lines like "I can't find exactly where I came in" and "I can't remember why I came here." This reflects the narrator's struggle to grasp the purpose or meaning behind their journey through this transformative experience. The forest of transition serves as a metaphorical landscape through which they are drifting, backward and without direction or clarity.

Overall, the lyrics of "Subtle Change" convey a profound sense of disorientation, dissatisfaction, and longing for understanding. It explores the complexities of personal transformation and the struggle to reconcile one's changing identity with one's past.