Fiction
Avenged Sevenfold
The Poignant Farewell of Avenged Sevenfold's 'Fiction'
Avenged Sevenfold's song 'Fiction' is a haunting and emotional piece that delves into themes of mortality, sacrifice, and the afterlife. The lyrics, which are delivered through a conversation between band members The Rev and M.Shadows, explore the idea of coming to terms with death and the impact it has on those left behind. The song is particularly poignant because it was one of the last songs written by The Rev before his untimely death in 2009, which adds a layer of real-life tragedy to the song's narrative.
The opening lines, sung by The Rev, suggest a realization of the overwhelming nature of life and the ultimate sacrifice of giving one's life for another. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the band's journey and the bonds formed between the members. M.Shadows' verses speak to the idea of finding peace after death and leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence others. The recurring phrase 'I hope it's worth it' reflects a sense of hope that the struggles and sacrifices made in life will lead to something meaningful, even if it's beyond one's own lifetime.
The song's chorus, with its refrain 'Let it burn,' could symbolize the acceptance of one's fate and the release of pain and suffering. The message to 'tell everybody' and 'find your own way' serves as a farewell and an encouragement for those who continue to live to find their own path and not be overwhelmed by grief. The song's title, 'Fiction,' may suggest that the narratives we create about life and death are constructs that help us cope with the unknown, or it could be a reference to the surreal feeling that accompanies the loss of someone close.