The Meaning Behind The Song: Shadow Moses by Bring Me The Horizon
The Deeper Meanings Behind Shadow Moses by Bring Me The Horizon
Table of Contents
Introduction
Bring Me The Horizon, a British rock band formed in Sheffield in 2004, has come a long way in their musical journey. With six studio albums under their belt, they continue to push boundaries with their unique sound that has evolved over the years. Their hit single “Shadow Moses” from their fourth album Sempiternal, released in 2013, quickly gained attention from fans and critics alike for being a powerful and emotionally charged track. But what is the meaning behind the song? Let’s delve deeper.
The Inspiration Behind The Song
The song’s title, “Shadow Moses,” is a reference to the setting of the 1998 video game Metal Gear Solid, which takes place on a fictional island called Shadow Moses. Bring Me The Horizon frontman, Oliver Sykes, explained in an interview with Kerrang! that he was raised on video games and wanted to pay homage to his favorite game. However, there is a deeper meaning behind the title that relates to the overall themes of the song.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “Shadow Moses” paint a picture of intense emotional pain and struggle. The opening lines, “Can you tell from the look in our eyes? / We’re going nowhere,” suggest a feeling of hopelessness and despair. The chorus, “This is Sempiternal / We are eternal,” reflects a sense of immortality despite the struggles they face. The song is also peppered with references to addiction and self-harm, with lines such as “My heart is filled with hate, I wish that you would die / My blood is cold as ice, I’ll give you one last chance to try.”
The Message
While the song’s lyrics may seem dark and heavy, the overall message is one of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity. In an interview with Rock Sound, Sykes explained that the song is about “the struggle people go through with their minds and their demons, and the fact that it’s a living thing that never goes away.” The line “This is Sempiternal / We are eternal” reinforces a message of strength and resilience, that even in the darkest moments, we can find the will to carry on.
The Reception
“Shadow Moses” quickly became one of Bring Me The Horizon’s most popular and critically acclaimed songs. The track has accumulated over 127 million views on YouTube since it’s release in 2013. The song’s message has resonated with fans all over the world, with many sharing stories of how the song helped them through difficult times. In a Reddit AMA, Sykes shared that the band has received countless messages from fans thanking them for “saving” their lives. The song’s honesty and raw emotion have made it a fan favorite in Bring Me The Horizon’s catalogue.
The Legacy
“Shadow Moses” has not only left a lasting impact on Bring Me The Horizon’s fans but on the band themselves. The song was a turning point in their career, as it marked the beginning of their transformation from a metalcore band to the experimental, genre-defying sound they have today. In an interview with NME, bassist Matt Kean stated “It’s crazy to think that ‘Shadow Moses’ was six years ago now, it feels like yesterday. It’s such a classic song and one that really changed our trajectory as a band.”
Conclusion
While “Shadow Moses” may have started as a reference to a video game, the song has become so much more to fans worldwide. Its message of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity has resonated with millions, and the song serves as a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we can find the strength to carry on. Bring Me The Horizon continues to push boundaries and challenge their fans’ expectations, but “Shadow Moses” remains a fan favorite and a powerful moment in the band’s history.
