Song Meaning
Above/Below" immediately throws the listener into a disorienting, high-stakes conflict. An "Eagle: screaming above and below" introduces a world of stark duality and confusion. The lyrics quickly establish that reality itself is fluid, with the urgent question, "Which is real? Illusion can still take control." This isn't just a battle; it's a fight for perception.
Central to this narrative is a profound sense of vulnerability and an ever-present threat. The "Legion: its heart has been flayed and laid bare," suggesting a collective entity stripped of its defenses and exposed to immense suffering. This vulnerability is compounded by the chilling presence of "The dead walk," a constant, inescapable menace that the lyrics warn us to confront directly: "don't close your eyes, they'll be there." The tension builds from this relentless, almost primal struggle for survival and clarity.
The lyrical craft excels in its evolving perspective on life, death, and the nature of evil. Initially, "mages fly up to the sun" in what seems like a triumphant ascent, yet the accompanying line, "As it burns, the dead they will think that they've won," hints at a misguided or destructive victory. Later, the "Eagle" calls "us back to the fold" with a profound revelation: "nothing can die, just grow old." This shift redefines existence, suggesting a cyclical nature rather than definitive endings, even as "Evil will retreat to the earth and remain," implying its enduring, if dormant, presence.
Ultimately, "Above/Below" resonates because it refuses easy answers or a clear-cut victory. The lyrics present a world where good and evil are not vanquished but persist, where illusion constantly challenges reality, and where even death is recontextualized. This nuanced, almost cyclical view of conflict and existence makes the struggle feel epic and deeply human, even within its fantastical setting. It leaves the listener pondering the true nature of power and permanence.
