"Leviathan Rot" by Gallows is a song with dark and cryptic lyrics that explore themes of destruction, decay, and the inherent ugliness in life. The song seems to convey a sense of despair, disillusionment, and a bleak view of the world. The opening lines, "Let this circle represent the other sun, Eclipse the light that surrounds us," suggest a desire to escape or transcend the ordinary and mundane aspects of life. The imagery of a shadow falling across the sky and practicing eternity until dawn arrives speaks to a longing for something more meaningful or profound. Moving on, the lyrics mention being in the shadow of a "cataract city," symbolizing a corrupt or decaying urban environment. The line "Fucking up the atmosphere, Their knives below the water, Just like I'd always feared" implies that the actions of certain individuals or entities are destructive and harmful, confirming the singer's preexisting fears. The following lines, "Lost in her snowy complexion, Numb to her artless touch, Searching for a little hell, Up in her guts," portray a sense of indifference or detachment. The reference to a snowy complexion can be metaphorical, depicting a cold and emotionless environment or relationship. The singer seems to be seeking something intense or chaotic, perhaps to feel alive amidst the bleakness. The repeated line, "Life's as cheap as you want to make it, In the cloak our hands created," suggests that the value or significance of life is determined by one's own actions or choices. It implies that we have the power to shape our own fate, but that power can also be used for destructive purposes. The repetition of the phrase "Let Leviathan rot" throughout the song adds to its dark and ominous tone. Leviathan, traditionally seen as a sea monster or symbol of chaos and destruction, underscores the theme of decay and the underlying ugliness of life. Overall, "Leviathan Rot" appears to convey a bleak and somewhat nihilistic perspective on life, highlighting the destructive tendencies of individuals and society while exploring themes of decay and the search for something more meaningful. The song's lyrics are open to interpretation and can be seen as a reflection on the darker aspects of human existence.
