The song "Autumn" by Grieves explores themes of fear, vulnerability, and the constant struggle to find one's place in the world. The lyrics depict the narrator waking up in a state of intense anxiety, feeling alone and haunted by their past mistakes and regrets. The line "Alone where the ghost slept" suggests that the narrator is haunted by their own actions or the consequences of their choices. They never expected to be in this dark place emotionally, but their feelings are evident to others, symbolized by getting "the bite" every time something goes wrong. The imagery of fading lights and disappearing into the night signifies the narrator's fear of their own impermanence and the transience of life. They don't believe that anything lasts forever, but the constant reminder of their own struggles and challenges makes them question if their difficult situation will ever improve. The mention of Benjamin in the line "I don't want to fight you anymore Benjamin" hints at a personal conflict or perhaps an inner struggle within the narrator themselves. They describe their situation as a "lose-lose situation in a maze," with a crazed man chasing their inner child with a blade. This could represent the pressure to conform or the fear of facing one's own fears and insecurities. The reference to being a victim of "the sickle and the flame" suggests that the narrator is experiencing pain and suffering, possibly caused by their own choices or circumstances beyond their control. The chorus represents a desire for change and escape. The flame symbolizes their dreams and aspirations, but it blows out, leading them to wonder if they will ever achieve what they truly desire. However, they also acknowledge that this might be the price they pay for wanting to achieve great things without facing the difficulties along the way. The second verse explores the narrator's struggle to find their way and maintain hope. They mention feeling hopeless and tired of climbing the metaphorical rope, referring to their constant battle and effort to overcome obstacles. They question whether fate is trying to destroy them or teach them important lessons. The line "The Devil's greatest trick was convincing the world he never existed and mine was a broken crystal ball" highlights the narrator's sense of being deceived or misled, both by external forces and their own flawed perception of the future. They feel lost and uncertain, relying on broken pieces and signs to understand their path forward. The butterfly imagery suggests a moment of liberation or enlightenment. The butterflies represent the narrator's hopes and dreams, finally finding a way to escape the turmoil within their stomach. This could symbolize a small glimmer of hope and the potential for positive change. The song concludes with a reflection on the uncertain nature of life and the inevitability of death. The narrator contemplates the consequences of their actions, acknowledging that everything they've done in the name of strength seems to come back and threaten their existence. They feel overwhelmed and trapped, as if their struggle will eventually catch up with them. Overall, "Autumn" is a deeply introspective song that explores the human experience of fear, vulnerability, and the constant search for meaning and happiness in an uncertain world. It reflects on the struggles and challenges that shape us and emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and resilience in navigating life's complexities.
