Meaning of "Giles" by Unearth

The lyrics of "Giles" by Unearth explore themes of persecution, judgment, and the fight for personal and familial reputation. The opening lines, "Smother his life, The words cut right to the heart," immediately set a tone of conflict and emotional pain caused by the judgment of others. The reference to disease and the threat to the family name indicates that the narrator's reputation and legacy are at stake.

Throughout the song, the narrator takes a defiant stance, refusing to plead guilty and be condemned. They see themselves as a martyr, fighting against societal norms and expectations that seek to crush their spirit and tarnish their name. The line "Damned to the beast of torment, Damned by the beast within us all" suggests that the narrator recognizes the capacity for judgment and persecution within human nature itself.

The mention of Corey, associated with the phrase "More stone, more weight for Corey," seems to be a reference to Giles Corey, who was famously pressed to death during the Salem Witch Trials. This historical reference adds a layer of significance to the lyrics, as Giles Corey's refusal to plead guilty and his defiance against the accusations echo the narrator's own resolve.

The mention of the Court of Ayer and Terminer signifies the legal setting in which the narrator is being judged. They plead to have their rightful land preserved, which can be seen as a request for their reputation and legacy to be respected and protected, even after their death.

The lyrics also make a reference to "Peine Forte et Dure," an old form of torture where heavy stones were placed on a person until they either pleaded guilty or died. This allusion further emphasizes the narrator's determination to resist societal pressure and stand their ground, even in the face of extreme torment.

In the closing lines, the repetition of "Rectify my name" reveals the narrator's ultimate desire for redemption and vindication. They seek to be remembered and recognized for who they truly are, rather than as a scapegoat or victim of judgment and persecution.

Overall, "Giles" delves into the struggle to maintain one's reputation and legacy amid judgment and persecution. It speaks to the inherent tensions within society and the resilience required to confront and challenge those forces.