Meaning of "Iris of the Storm" by Slash

"Iris of the Storm" is a song that delves into the inner struggle of a person seeking solace in the midst of chaos. The imagery of sailing into the calm, where skies are perpetually blue and unchanging, represents the narrator's longing for stability and serenity in their life. However, the rain serves as a metaphor for adversity that keeps pouring down, suggesting that peace and tranquility always elude them. Despite this relentless turmoil, the narrator finds strength within themselves to endure, symbolized by the line "These waters raise but I stay strong."

The chorus, "Into the iris of the storm, Rise and fall with the tide, Carry on," captures the essence of the song. The "iris of the storm" represents the eye of the storm, a place of both danger and stillness. By embracing the storm and rising and falling with the tide of life, the narrator emphasizes their resilience and determination to carry on despite the challenges they face. It reflects a belief in the cyclical nature of life, where one must weather the storms in order to find calmness.

The lyrics also touch upon the universal theme of finding one's place in the world. The line "Sometimes it's hard to find my place, To face the fears that all must face" encapsulates the struggles faced by everyone in their journey through life. It acknowledges the difficulty of confronting fears and uncertainties but emphasizes the importance of persevering and not succumbing to despair. The narrator holds onto hope and refuses to let their struggles define them, vowing to risk it all to find their way.

The final verse reflects a sense of optimism and the conviction that eventually things will change for the better. The narrator believes that a day will come when their worth will be recognized by the world. The resolution is to no longer be hurt by the challenges and to break free from the negativity. The imagery of "skies are breaking" and "tide is turning" signifies a shift towards a more positive future. The last line, "Show the world that I was right all along," suggests a longing for validation and the desire to prove that their resilience and perseverance were justified.

Overall, "Iris of the Storm" is an empowering song that explores the themes of resilience, the pursuit of inner peace, and the determination to overcome obstacles in order to find one's place in the world. It encourages listeners to embrace the storms of life and rise above them, ultimately proving their worth to both themselves and the world.