Terrible Things

The song 'Terrible Things' by Axie delves into the psyche of a character who has lived a life filled with regrettable actions, particularly in the realm of creating something that has gone terribly wrong. The lyrics paint a picture of a man who initially had no malicious intent as he spent his life 'workshopping robots.' However, as the song progresses, it becomes clear that his creations have led to unintended and horrific consequences. The repeated line 'I have done some terrible things in my life' serves as a haunting refrain, emphasizing the weight of guilt and the desire for redemption or escape from the cycle of pain and death.

The narrative suggests a cycle of death and rebirth, possibly hinting at a Frankenstein-like scenario where the man's creations have taken on a life of their own, leading to torture and suffering. The mention of 'puppeteer strings' and 'trapping ghouls' further implies a loss of control and the crossing of ethical boundaries. The protagonist's struggle is underscored by the conflicting desires to both end his life and to avoid the repeated agony of being 'killed' and coming back 'again, and again, and again.' This cycle could be a metaphor for the relentless nature of guilt and the inability to escape one's past actions.

The song also touches on themes of isolation and the quest for power, as seen in the lines 'Human contact remains very seldom' and 'He made a promise, and he’d harness all the anger.' The character's isolation may have driven him to seek power as a means to bring back loved ones or to correct past mistakes, but this pursuit only leads to further destruction and despair. The song ends with a sense of futility and resignation, as the character acknowledges the irreversible nature of his actions and the inescapable consequences that follow.