Left Hand Path
Entombed
Embracing Autonomy and Rejecting Conformity in 'Left Hand Path'
Entombed's song 'Left Hand Path' is a powerful declaration of self-reliance and autonomy. The lyrics convey a strong message of rejecting external control and embracing one's own will. The phrase 'I am my own God' encapsulates the essence of the song, emphasizing the idea of self-mastery and independence. The protagonist refuses to let anyone take their soul away, asserting their own power to shape their destiny. This theme is further reinforced by the line 'I carry my own will and make my own day,' which highlights the importance of personal agency and the rejection of external authority.
The song also delves into the concept of truth and deception. The lyrics 'See the truth beyond / Through endless lies and thy kingdom come' suggest a quest for genuine understanding amidst a sea of falsehoods. The 'glorified wisdom elimination tool' and 'self deceit is the true golden rule' imply that societal norms and religious doctrines often serve to obscure the truth rather than reveal it. By advocating for living one's own life and facing one's own death, the song challenges the listener to break free from the constraints of conventional beliefs and embrace a more authentic existence.
The imagery in the latter part of the song is particularly striking. The act of dipping a forefinger in the 'watery blood of your impotent redeemer' and writing 'The true Prince of Evil' over a thorn-torn brow is a bold rejection of traditional religious symbols and figures. This act symbolizes the protagonist's defiance against established religious authority and the assertion of their own power. The final lines, 'What man has created / Man can destroy / Bring to light / That day of joy,' suggest a revolutionary spirit, advocating for the dismantling of oppressive structures and the creation of a new, liberated reality.