The Eleventh Hour

August Burns Red's song "The Eleventh Hour" is a powerful and intense call to spiritual awakening and moral reckoning. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world on the brink of a significant transformation, where the sound that 'ears bleed to hear' symbolizes a divine or cosmic event that the entire universe anticipates. This event is so powerful that it causes the strongest individuals to fall to their knees, representing a moment of ultimate humility and realization. The song contrasts the fate of the lost who find their way back home with the masses who are misled by materialism and false promises, ultimately leading to their downfall.

The lyrics delve into themes of truth and deception, highlighting the consequences of living a life based on lies and superficial pursuits. The line 'feasting on lies, chasing their tails' suggests a futile and endless cycle of seeking fulfillment in the wrong places. The song warns that a day of reckoning is imminent, where turning away from the truth will no longer be an option. This is a stark reminder that despite attempts to ignore or compromise one's beliefs, the ultimate confrontation between a person and their maker is inevitable.

The song's message is clear: individuals must make a conscious decision about their spiritual and moral path. The repeated emphasis on 'it's your decision' underscores the personal responsibility each person holds in their journey. The lyrics encourage listeners to give up their resistance and embrace the truth, as this is not a journey that can be undertaken alone. The urgency and intensity of the song reflect the band's metalcore style, known for its aggressive and emotionally charged delivery, which amplifies the song's themes of urgency and introspection.