The song "The Divine Absence (This Is Water)" by The Used explores themes of inner strength, resilience, and the transformative power of one's actions. The lyrics begin by describing a river that silences every note and a courageous person who is divorced from the world, sinking back into the loam (soil). This could symbolize someone who feels disconnected and isolated from the world, perhaps due to personal struggles or pain. The line "Petals wilted, hear the cries, whispered into ears of stone" portrays a sense of sadness and desperation, as if someone's pleas for help are going unheard or ignored. However, the next line "And so it goes..." suggests a resigned acceptance of this reality. The chorus serves as an empowering declaration that the narrator will not stay buried forever, emphasizing the idea that individuals can rise above their struggles and be more than just a statistic or a number. They refuse to apologize for their actions because they believe that others will eventually understand or appreciate their choices. The next verse reflects on the narrator's preparation and perfectionism, perhaps hinting at their determination to overcome obstacles and make a difference. However, despite their efforts, they feel a sense of powerlessness or lack of control. The following lines imply that the decay or rot within oneself reveals the absence or emptiness that exists. "Death streets paved in gold" could be a metaphor for how even seemingly desirable or successful paths can lead to spiritual or emotional emptiness. The second chorus repeats the empowering message of not staying buried forever and being more than just a number. The drops of rain mentioned symbolize the fleeting nature of time and the fragile moments of life. The bridge suggests that though a single drop of rain evaporates quickly, when millions of drops come together to form a river, their combined force becomes powerful and unstoppable. This could represent unity, resilience, and the ability to create change. The closing lyrics of the song reiterate the message of not staying buried forever and refusing to apologize for one's actions. The mention of unconditional love carved into stone reflects the lasting impact that love and resilience can have on individuals and the world. Overall, "The Divine Absence (This Is Water)" is a song about finding strength, embracing one's individuality, and the profound impact that one person can make on others and the world. It encourages listeners to stay resilient, stand up for themselves, and believe in their own power to effect change.
