"The Hunt Begins" by Unearth is a song that explores the theme of deceit and survival. The lyrics depict a scenario where a group of individuals, referred to as "we the saviors," believe it is necessary to eliminate certain individuals for the greater good of society. The song begins by urging people to come together and sever the worst of their kind. These saviors see themselves as the ones responsible for judging and weeding out the weak, the poor, the sick, and the old. They believe that it is their duty to gather and eliminate these individuals for the sake of their own survival. While the saviors claim to pray for those they deem unworthy, they also believe that their lives cannot be sustained. They hold the cure but still believe that these individuals must die. This highlights the moral conflict they face between their beliefs and the act of taking lives. The chorus of the song emphasizes the need to weed out the weak, repeating the idea that gathering the less fortunate for elimination is necessary. The word "deceit" is also repeated, possibly pointing out the hypocrisy of the saviors' actions. The second half of the song introduces the consequences of their actions. The lyrics describe being hammered down by death at the door and the terror of the night. It implies that the scourge or the consequences they face is at its worst. However, there is also a growing revelation among the saviors. They realize that they are the ones responsible for carrying their kind onward and restoring their kind. This suggests that the song may be a commentary on the cyclical nature of deceit and survival, with humanity constantly facing the need to make difficult choices to ensure their continuation. The song concludes by stating that the threat is destroyed, and people now thank the Lord for this outcome. This could be interpreted as a reflection on the justification people often find in their actions when they believe they are working towards an ultimately beneficial goal. Overall, "The Hunt Begins" delves into the moral complexities of survival, deceit, and the sacrifices some individuals may make, questioning the line between necessary action and the ethics of their choices.
