Witness

In 'Witness,' Thirty Seconds To Mars delves into the complexities of personal turmoil and the search for redemption. The song opens with a plea for judgment, as the narrator asks a 'witness' to evaluate their life. This sets the stage for a confessional tone, where the narrator reveals a life filled with 'secrets and lies' that could astonish the listener. The lyrics suggest a deep sense of betrayal and disillusionment, as the narrator accuses the witness of teaching them 'not to love,' while they, in turn, taught the witness to 'say no.' This mutual exchange of negative lessons underscores a relationship marred by emotional damage and mistrust.

The chorus introduces a religious element with the plea, 'Jesus, save me. I'm in love with this hell.' This line juxtaposes the sacred with the profane, highlighting the narrator's internal conflict and desire for salvation amidst chaos. The mention of 'murder' and 'madness' further amplifies the sense of entrapment and self-destruction. The narrator's secrets and lies are not just personal but have the potential to 'change your life,' indicating a profound impact on those around them. The recurring theme of being taught 'not to love' and to 'say no' suggests a cycle of emotional repression and denial, leading to a ghostly existence devoid of genuine connection.

The repeated phrase 'away I go, away I am a ghost' signifies a retreat from reality, as the narrator becomes a spectral figure, detached and isolated. This ghostly imagery conveys a sense of invisibility and disconnection from the world, as if the narrator has become a mere shadow of their former self. The song's haunting melody and introspective lyrics create a powerful narrative of inner struggle, emotional scars, and the yearning for redemption. Through 'Witness,' Thirty Seconds To Mars captures the essence of human frailty and the quest for meaning in a world filled with darkness and despair.