Meaning of "Gates of Horn and Ivory" by The Agonist

The lyrics in "Gates of Horn and Ivory" delve into the human inclination towards possessiveness and obsession with material goods. The song suggests that this craving for possessions leads individuals to function solitarily, disconnected from meaningful human connections and trapped in a lower brain transmission. The pursuit of these desires is seen as hollow and deceptive, with the lyrics pointing out that the things people chase after are ultimately lies to begin with. The chorus emphasizes the futility of this pursuit, as the individual is told they will never truly attain what they want and need.

The song also touches on the idea of manufacturing ambition and designing the ideal outcome for oneself, and asks the listener if they would like to hear their own story. This perhaps suggests that individuals have the power to create their own narratives and determine their own paths instead of blindly pursuing preconceived notions of success and happiness.

The second verse highlights the consequences of living in illusions and delusions. The lyrics imply that these illusions, while temporarily comforting, eventually reveal themselves to be haunting ghosts that crumble the world an individual has grown to love. The song continues to stress that what people are truly after is a fictional desire, further emphasizing the futile and empty nature of their pursuits.

The chorus then shifts the focus to the determination and resilience of the narrator. They speak of having fire at their back, symbolizing their determination and unyielding spirit. This fire empowers them to tame the waters and learn to swim, showing their ability to overcome challenges and navigate through life's difficulties. The lyrics further proclaim that fear does not dictate their actions, indicating a refusal to be controlled by apprehension or insecurity.

The song concludes by inviting the listener to enter the gates of horn and ivory, which can be interpreted as a metaphor for leaving behind the illusions and delusions that trap them and entering a realm of truth and clarity. It is a call to embrace authenticity and face reality head-on, moving away from the empty pursuit of material desires and finding meaning and contentment in genuine experiences and personal growth.