Out Of Exile

Audioslave's 'Out Of Exile' is a profound exploration of isolation, redemption, and the transformative power of love. The song begins with the narrator describing a self-imposed exile on an island, a metaphor for emotional or psychological isolation. This island, which he names after himself, represents a place of solitude where he initially finds comfort. However, as time passes, the isolation becomes unbearable, symbolized by the 'hours [growing] so empty.' The arrival of a woman, depicted as a wave from the ocean, signifies the beginning of his journey out of exile. Her presence pulls him out to sea, suggesting that love or connection is what ultimately rescues him from his loneliness.

The chorus, 'When you come down to take me home, send my soul away,' can be interpreted as a plea for salvation and wholeness. The narrator seeks to be made whole again, to have his soul 'sent away' from the desolation of his exile. This longing for completeness is further emphasized in the second verse, where a 'wedding in the waves' symbolizes a union that brings light and salvation. The imagery of a young light shining from her labor suggests rebirth and renewal, indicating that through this connection, the narrator finds a new sense of purpose and direction.

As the song progresses, the narrator describes a transformation in his surroundings. The 'spires and the gables' growing in orchards to the sky and the blessings on his table multiplying and dividing signify abundance and prosperity. This change reflects the internal transformation he has undergone, moving from a state of isolation to one of fulfillment and abundance. The repeated refrain of 'send my soul away' underscores the narrator's desire for a lasting sense of peace and wholeness, achieved through the love and connection he has found. Audioslave, known for their powerful and emotive rock sound, uses these vivid metaphors and imagery to convey a deeply personal and universal message about the human need for connection and the redemptive power of love.