The song "I Was I Am I Shall Be" by Heaven Shall Burn is a powerful and passionate anthem about resistance, defiance, and never giving up in the face of oppression. The lyrics convey a deep sense of anger and frustration towards a corrupt and unjust system. The opening lines, "Never forgive, never forget, This world is out of joint," set the tone for the song, suggesting a refusal to forgive or forget the injustices that have taken place. The phrase "This world is out of joint" refers to the belief that society is broken and in need of change. The next lines, "Your order's built on sand, Conspiracy to murder, cold-blooded murder," criticize the foundations of power, highlighting corruption and violence that have been committed. The mention of assassination suggests that those who dared to challenge the wrongful system were eliminated. The chorus emphasizes the band's determination and resilience, proclaiming, "And to you, you masters of affliction, We speak our words of truthfulness, Our death will hinder nothing." Here, they address those in power, pointing out that even in the face of death, their voices will continue to speak the truth and fight against injustice. The lyrics also touch upon the idea of revolution, with lines like "They heard the tunes of revolution, They felt we'd seize the power." This suggests that those in power feared the potential uprising and strength of the people. The phrase "Infamous deeds of desperation, You may take us off the streets, But nothing stops this righteous rage" further illustrates the band's determination to resist. They acknowledge that they may be silenced or removed from public view, but their passion and anger will not be extinguished. The repeated lines "Never forgive, never forget" emphasize the band's refusal to let go of grievances and ensure that the wrongdoings are not overlooked or forgiven. The phrase "We know this storm will rage again" suggests that the fight against injustice will continue and intensify. Overall, "I Was I Am I Shall Be" conveys a strong message of defiance and resilience against an oppressive system. It encourages listeners to never back down, speak the truth, and fight for what is right.
