Auctioned

Dark Tranquillity's song 'Auctioned' delves into the existential struggle and the feeling of being trapped in a life that feels predetermined and devoid of true freedom. The lyrics paint a picture of a person trying to outsmart the fever, a metaphor for escaping the mundane and suffocating aspects of life. The 'killing life in capsules' suggests a life that is compartmentalized and controlled, lacking spontaneity and genuine fulfillment.

The imagery of waking up 'dead to the world' with 'the helm at my command' reflects a sense of disconnection and the illusion of control. The protagonist is reaching out for something more meaningful, facing an uncertain future ('the 11th hour') and feeling the pressure of time running out. The 'insatiable ideal' represents an unattainable perfection that haunts the individual, while the 'portal pounding' signifies the persistent, nagging feeling of something missing or undone.

The line 'Did I miss the auction where my life went under the club?' is particularly poignant, suggesting that the protagonist feels as though their life has been sold off or taken away without their consent. This metaphorical auction represents the loss of agency and the commodification of one's existence. The song's conclusion, with the protagonist's words 'hid beneath the tongue, never to be seen,' underscores the theme of suppressed emotions and unspoken truths. Dark Tranquillity's melodic death metal style, characterized by its blend of aggressive and melodic elements, amplifies the song's themes of inner turmoil and existential dread.