Meaning of "Cemetery Gates" by Týr

The lyrics of "Cemetery Gates" explore the complex emotions that arise from losing a loved one. The opening lines suggest a sense of disbelief and confusion, as the narrator questions whether there is a hidden agenda behind their suffering. The reference to being crucified for no sins implies a feeling of injustice and the vulnerability of being subjected to pain and loss. The line "I'm a man cut in half in this world, left in my misery" speaks to the deep emotional impact of the loss and the sense of being incomplete without their loved one.

The narrator turns to a reverend, perhaps seeking solace or answers, but is met with indifference or familiarity to such grief. This lack of empathy further intensifies their feelings of isolation and loneliness. The mention of rain and the image of the loved one's face reflect the ongoing emotional turmoil and the inability to move past the memories.

In the second verse, the lyrics depict a realization that the narrator has given up their youth and sacrificed themselves for this love, only to have it end in rage. The inability to cry upon the loved one's death indicates a profound sense of loss and emotional numbness. The lyrics suggest that the loved one's absence has left the narrator feeling incomplete and devoid of purpose.

As the lyrics progress, the narrator contemplates the idea of their loved one watching over them from a distant place. They acknowledge the need to reverse their life and let go of the past in order to find freedom for their soul. The mention of complex years and not caring to make the world their own implies a state of stagnation and missed opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

Ultimately, the lyrics convey a desire for closure and the need to move beyond the pain and memories. The repetition of the phrase "Believe the word, I will unlock my door and pass the cemetery gates" reinforces the resolution to find inner peace and leave the past behind. The cemetery gates symbolize a threshold between the present and the past, between grief and acceptance.