Against Widows

Amorphis' song 'Against Widows' delves into the dark and complex themes of death, loss, and societal perceptions of widows. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a widow's life, filled with metaphors that evoke a sense of desolation and harshness. The repeated imagery of the Devil marrying a widow and death being associated with 'another's leftovers' suggests a grim view of widowhood, where the widow is seen as someone who has already been claimed by death and is now left to face a harsh reality alone.

The song uses nature metaphors to contrast the perceived harshness of a widow's life with the gentler aspects of nature. Lines like 'Better to lie on a willows / Rest on alder boughs / Then upon a widow's bed' and 'Softer the side of a grove / Than a widow's beside is' suggest that the natural world, even in its roughness, is kinder than the life of a widow. This stark comparison highlights the societal stigma and emotional burden that widows often carry, portraying their existence as one of loneliness and roughness.

Furthermore, the lyrics touch on the physical and emotional toll of widowhood. Descriptions such as 'A widow's hand is rougher / Than a dry spruce bough' and 'With which she strikes the playful / Grabs the one who laughs' depict the widow as someone who has been hardened by her experiences. The song suggests that widows have had their share of joy and sorrow, but these experiences have left them with a rough exterior, symbolizing the emotional scars they bear. Amorphis, known for their blend of metal with Finnish folklore and mythology, uses these powerful images to evoke empathy and reflection on the often overlooked struggles of widows.