Mortal

Axel Johansson's song 'Mortal' delves deep into the emotional turmoil of loss and the inevitable necessity of letting go. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person grappling with the departure of a loved one, struggling to accept the finality of their absence. The opening lines, 'When you said goodbye / But you just can't leave,' set the tone for the entire song, highlighting the paradox of wanting to hold on while knowing that release is the only path forward. The imagery of bleeding hands from holding too tight underscores the physical and emotional pain of this struggle.

The chorus reflects on the human tendency to take time for granted, 'We never think that we run out of time / Always believed we could keep it alive.' This realization comes too late, as the protagonist is haunted by the words left unsaid and the moments lost. The setting of a hospital bed adds a layer of poignancy, suggesting a sudden or tragic end that leaves the protagonist in a state of shock and regret. The repetition of 'I didn't know then you were everything' emphasizes the depth of their loss and the weight of their realization.

The song's refrain, 'When the time comes you gotta let it go,' serves as both a painful reminder and a mantra for moving forward. The metaphor of stars burning brightest as they die speaks to the fleeting nature of life and the beauty found in its impermanence. The final verses, 'When the fire dies and there's no light / And I see you for the last time,' capture the moment of ultimate release, where the protagonist acknowledges the need to let go despite the overwhelming sorrow. Johansson's 'Mortal' is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the human condition, resonating deeply with anyone who has faced the heart-wrenching task of saying goodbye.