"Unhaunted" by John Mark McMillan is a song that explores the desire to confront and overcome personal ghosts and unresolved emotions. The lyrics suggest a sense of being haunted by past experiences or internal struggles that have affected the protagonist's life, relationships, and self-identity. In the first verse, the protagonist questions if their name was mentioned in the "cradle of the deep," symbolizing a deep emotional place within themselves. They feel a response within their particles and their body as if they are being called out or acknowledged. However, they express a reluctance to be unhaunted, indicating a fear or resistance to letting go of these haunting experiences. The song continues to express the protagonist's feelings of relenting in the darkness and being accompanied by the government, possibly referencing the societal pressures and expectations that influence their life. They mention the calls for a covenant, which could symbolize demands for commitment and conformity. However, they feel that no one is genuinely committing or investing deeply, as no blood is being drawn. As the song progresses, the protagonist reflects on the meaning of their experiences and the idea that one can never fully get used to the struggles they face. They mention the shores of being "heaven bent," possibly alluding to a loss of direction or feeling disconnected from their true self. The chorus repeats the desire to not be unhaunted, emphasizing the protagonist's resistance to letting go of their haunting experiences. They express a yearning for change and something to give, a sign that things need to be different. The bridge of the song shifts the focus to a third person, possibly addressing a friend or someone close to the protagonist. They ask if this person drives around town in a dreamlike state, implying that they are also struggling with their own unresolved emotions. The protagonist wonders if this person has seen their own reflection and if they engage in conversations with their thoughts that they can't shake. Overall, "Unhaunted" can be interpreted as a plea to confront and resolve the haunting experiences of the past. It highlights the desire for change and a refusal to continue living in a state of being haunted by unresolved emotions. The song encourages the listener to acknowledge and address their own personal ghosts in order to find a sense of peace and freedom.
