Petrified Eyes

Angra's song 'Petrified Eyes' delves into the timeless and universal theme of war and its profound impact on those who partake in it. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a warrior's journey, both physically and emotionally, as they prepare for battle and reflect on the aftermath. The opening lines, 'We're armed and ready to attack / To strike the city of all desires,' set the stage for a conflict driven by deep-seated passions and ambitions. The imagery of calming waves and reality turning to ashes suggests the fleeting nature of victory and the inevitable return to chaos and destruction.

The song's chorus, 'Petrified my eyes / Behold the sights of battle lost,' captures the haunting and paralyzing effect of witnessing the horrors of war. The use of the word 'petrified' implies a sense of being frozen in time, unable to move past the traumatic experiences. This is further emphasized by the line, 'In this unchanging world / What does the poor life of a warrior cost?' which questions the value of a warrior's life in a world that remains indifferent to their sacrifices. The song also touches on the idea of forgotten heroes, as seen in the lines, 'Fallen comrades lay on the ground / Victors in death they make no sound,' highlighting the silence and invisibility of those who have given their lives in battle.

The bridge of the song introduces a more introspective and philosophical perspective, with lines like 'Many faces from God's own races are waiting / To fight the good fight.' This suggests a sense of unity and shared purpose among warriors from different backgrounds, all striving for a common goal. However, the repeated refrain, 'Oh, you won't see / They've petrified your eyes,' serves as a stark reminder of the blindness and ignorance that often accompany war. The closing lines, 'Deep desires of mine / Dark thoughts tyrannize my mind / When will this torture end / Into the mire, to battle again,' encapsulate the cyclical nature of conflict and the internal struggle faced by those who are caught in its grip.

'Petrified Eyes' by Angra is a powerful and evocative exploration of the human cost of war, the enduring scars it leaves on those who fight, and the perpetual cycle of violence that seems impossible to break. The song's rich imagery and poignant lyrics invite listeners to reflect on the true price of conflict and the often-overlooked sacrifices of warriors throughout history.