From Yesterday

The song 'From Yesterday' by Thirty Seconds To Mars is a rich tapestry of metaphor and introspection, woven with themes of self-discovery, the burden of history, and the resistance to confront one's own past. The lyrics paint the picture of a character who is enigmatic and isolated, perceived as a stranger by some and unnoticed by others. The repeated line 'On his face is a map of the world' suggests that his experiences and the weight of his history are etched into his very being, visible for all to see, yet he himself is reluctant to acknowledge them.

The chorus 'From yesterday, it's coming! From yesterday, the fear!' implies that the character is haunted by his past, which is catching up to him, instilling fear. Despite this looming presence, he 'doesn't want to read the message here,' indicating a refusal to face the lessons or truths his history holds. This denial could be a defense mechanism against the pain and guilt of 'the innocent' mentioned in the song, suggesting past actions that have led to harm or regret.

The setting of the song on a 'mountain... not of gold but of sin' further emphasizes the theme of inner turmoil and moral conflict. The character's solitary 'council of one' indicates a journey of introspection where he alone must decide when he has atoned or come to terms with his past. The song, therefore, is a narrative of confrontation with one's history and the struggle to either accept or deny the impact of one's actions on the self and the world.