Seen This Coming

Art of Dying's song "Seen This Coming" delves deep into the emotional turmoil of regret and the pain of hindsight. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone grappling with the consequences of a relationship gone wrong. The opening lines, "Rewind, Everything I said, Is there time, To take it all back now?" set the tone for a narrative filled with remorse and a longing to undo past mistakes. The metaphor of burning wings and flying straight into the pain suggests a self-destructive path, where the protagonist is aware of the impending doom but feels powerless to change course.

The chorus, with its repeated lament, "If only I'd seen this coming," underscores the theme of betrayal and disillusionment. The realization that someone they trusted could "sink so low" and be "so cold" is a harsh awakening. This sense of betrayal is compounded by the regret of not recognizing the signs earlier, leading to a poignant reflection on missed opportunities to avoid heartache. The lyrics also touch on coping mechanisms, with lines like "Thinking has never been easy, Drinking is better than leaving," highlighting the struggle to deal with emotional pain and the temptation to escape through unhealthy means.

The song's bridge offers a glimpse into the protagonist's ongoing battle with their emotions. The lines "Some days I just get too sober, And I lose my mind" reveal the difficulty of facing reality without the numbing effects of substances. Despite the despair, there's a faint glimmer of hope with the reassurance that "it'll be alright," suggesting a resilience to endure the pain. Art of Dying's raw and introspective lyrics, combined with their powerful musical style, create a compelling narrative that resonates with anyone who has experienced the sting of regret and the longing for a different outcome.