Isa

Enslaved's song 'Isa' is a haunting exploration of time, loss, and the enduring presence of memory. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a figure who has been standing for ages, witnessing the cycles of life and death in the valleys. The 'pyres of yesterday' symbolize past losses, and the scent of these pyres evokes the pain of losing someone dear. The shattered mirror and its cold fragments represent broken dreams and the attempt to piece together a fractured past. The recurring invocation of 'Isa' suggests a powerful, almost mythic presence that stands still and empowered, yet detached and silent, embodying both strength and sorrow.

The song delves into themes of departure and the passage of time. The lines 'We arrived here from different spaces' and 'Bidding the wooden shrines farewell' suggest a journey or transition from one state of being to another. The 'dead lips' and the 'rope' symbolize the connections that once held people together but have since disintegrated, leaving behind only memories. The 'distant opposite assembly at the shores' hints at a final gathering or reckoning, where the protagonist is urged to let go of the past.

In the latter part of the song, there is a call to action: 'A time to burn, a time to build.' This signifies the cyclical nature of destruction and creation. The imagery of bringing everything towards the center and trembling suggests a moment of intense emotional reckoning. The act of retrieving the sword from the abyss and holding back the tidal wave symbolizes confronting and overcoming overwhelming challenges. The repeated refrain of 'Isa' underscores the enduring presence of this powerful figure, who watches over the cycles of life and death with a detached, almost divine ecstasy. The song ultimately portrays a profound meditation on the passage of time, the pain of loss, and the strength found in enduring memories.