"Below the Bottom" by Hatebreed is a song that expresses frustration and disappointment towards someone who has lost their way and sunk into a destructive lifestyle. The lyrics convey a sense of pity and empathy turning into anger and hatred. The song begins by describing the person as being half dead, going through life dependent on their vices and lacking any sense of purpose or self. They are portrayed as a follower of the blind, someone who is easily influenced and controlled by others. The narrator's empathy and pity for this person have transformed into rage and hatred. They believe that this individual has sunken to the depths of selfishness and wonder how much lower they can go. The chorus emphasizes the decay of virtues and the loss of friendships, leaving only enemies. The narrator expresses shame and pain for this individual, urging them to let go of their destructive habits to find cleansing and solitude. The lyrics suggest that the person has adopted the lies and hypocrisy of others, justifying their own actions. They bear the consequences of their decisions and have betrayed their own soul. The song emphasizes the need for self-reflection and the strength to reject those who bring them down. In the end, the narrator urges the person to take a hard look at themselves and question what they have become. The repetition of the phrase "you've gone below the bottom" emphasizes the depths to which this person has fallen and serves as a reminder of their self-destructive path. Overall, "Below the Bottom" is a song that reflects on the disappointment and frustration one feels towards someone who has lost themselves in a destructive lifestyle. It conveys a message of self-reflection, self-empowerment, and the need to break free from harmful influences.
