Meaning of "Wake The Dead" by The Used

The lyrics of "Wake The Dead" delve into the themes of death and the supernatural. The song paints a picture of a world where the dead are no longer at rest, but instead walking the streets with no heartbeat, suggesting that death is no longer natural. The idea of the supernatural is challenged and dismissed as the lyrics state, "Forget supernatural, 'cause all those resting in peace are out and walking the streets, yeah, with no heartbeat." This challenges the conventional understanding of death and questions the very concept of life itself.

The lyrics also contemplate the notion of what it means to be alive or dead. With lines like "An empty hole in your chest where your heart used to beat," the song explores the idea that one can be alive physically but emotionally dead, with no heartbeat representing a lack of passion or connection to life. The narrator also questions if they and their partner are as "dead" as they feel, highlighting the ambiguity and complexity of human emotions.

The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "wake the dead," expressing a desire to disturb the natural order of life and death. This can be interpreted as a metaphorical longing to shake up a mundane existence or to find meaning in a world that feels lifeless. The verse "Take a walk with me, walk with the dead, 'cause you knew that we had to die sometime," suggests a desire to confront mortality and embrace the unknown, finding beauty in the darkness.

Overall, "Wake The Dead" reflects on the fragility of life, the uncertainty of death, and the search for meaning in existence. It explores the supernatural elements of death and challenges conventional perceptions, encouraging listeners to question and confront their own mortality.