Born To Die

Bathory's 'Born To Die' is a raw and unapologetic exploration of human existence, identity, and mortality. The song's lyrics reject conventional labels and societal constructs, emphasizing the individual's autonomy and the inevitability of death. The opening lines, 'I am not of Jesus Christ I'm not / And I am not a satanic child I'm not,' immediately set the tone for a narrative that refuses to be confined by religious or ideological boundaries. This defiance is further underscored by the declaration, 'I know where I come from and whereto I will go,' suggesting a self-awareness and acceptance of one's path in life and death.

The song critiques various societal elements such as politics, fashion, and religion, which are often used to define and control individuals. The lines 'Rat race and symbols, crucifix and flesh / Politics and fashion, religion and death' highlight the superficial and transient nature of these constructs. Bathory's frontman, Quorthon, portrays himself as a 'human being' and an 'eat-sleep-fucking-machine,' reducing human existence to its most basic and primal functions. This reduction serves to strip away the layers of societal expectations and reveal the raw essence of life.

The recurring theme of mortality is starkly presented in the chorus, 'Suicides no use at all, we're all born to die.' This line encapsulates the futility of escaping death, reinforcing the idea that life should be lived authentically and without the burden of external labels. The song's closing lines, 'I am not no more a sinner or saint than fucking all of you / I am no more close or far away from the truth,' further emphasize the equality of all humans in the face of mortality. Bathory's 'Born To Die' is a powerful anthem of individuality, existential reflection, and the acceptance of life's impermanence.