Doing Time

Avenged Sevenfold's song 'Doing Time' delves into the darker aspects of human existence, addiction, and the inevitable consequences of our actions. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world seen through 'devil's eyes,' suggesting a perspective tainted by sin and moral decay. The opening lines, 'The lives of some men / If walls could talk to spill the lies / We’d see the world through devil's eyes,' set the tone for a narrative that explores the hidden truths and vices that people often conceal.

The song's protagonist admits to maintaining an addiction and taking it 'too high,' indicating a struggle with substance abuse or a similarly destructive habit. The metaphor of an 'itch with a loaded hair trigger' and a 'one-way ticket to fly' suggests a dangerous, almost suicidal tendency to indulge in this addiction. This imagery is powerful, evoking a sense of urgency and peril. The recurring line, 'everybody's doing their time,' implies that everyone has their own burdens and consequences to face, whether they are visible or not.

Throughout the song, there is a sense of defiance and resignation. The protagonist acknowledges the 'writing on the wall' and the 'lifeless devil' that starts to crawl, symbolizing the inevitable downfall that comes with their choices. Yet, there is a refusal to heed any lessons or warnings, as seen in the lines, 'I don't need no lessons / After all, everybody's doing their time.' This attitude reflects a broader commentary on society's tendency to ignore the consequences of their actions, choosing instead to continue down a path of self-destruction.

The song also touches on themes of societal pressure and the cost of seeking approval. Lines like 'Sell your soul for approval / And a dollar got a pretty little body to grind' highlight the superficial and often morally bankrupt nature of societal values. The protagonist's disillusionment is palpable, culminating in a sense of detachment and loss of attention. 'Doing Time' is a raw and unflinching look at the darker sides of life, addiction, and the human condition, wrapped in Avenged Sevenfold's signature hard-hitting musical style.