To Lay Like Old Ashes

Austere's song 'To Lay Like Old Ashes' delves deep into the themes of existential despair and the futility of life. The lyrics paint a bleak picture of a life that feels empty and meaningless, with the protagonist expressing a longing to fill the void in their days. The imagery of ashes scattered across the ground symbolizes the remnants of a life that once had potential but now seems worthless. This metaphor of ashes suggests a sense of finality and decay, emphasizing the transient nature of existence.

The song continues with the protagonist gazing out of a window at autumn trees, a scene that mirrors their internal state. The falling leaves and misty atmosphere reflect the grey, lifeless essence of the protagonist's soul. This connection between the external environment and internal feelings highlights the pervasive sense of nothingness that the protagonist experiences. The repetition of the word 'empty' underscores the depth of their despair, as they struggle to find meaning in a fragile and fleeting existence.

Austere's lyrics also touch on the inevitability of death and the lack of redemption in life. The stark declaration that 'we're all heading towards the end' and that life holds 'nothing but death' speaks to a nihilistic worldview. This perspective suggests that life is a delusion, with death being the only certainty. The song's raw and unfiltered language, including the use of expletives, conveys the intensity of the protagonist's emotions and their profound sense of isolation and hopelessness. Through 'To Lay Like Old Ashes,' Austere captures the essence of existential dread and the struggle to find meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe.