I For An Eye

Entombed's song 'I For An Eye' delves into the dark and cyclical nature of vengeance, despair, and the human condition. The lyrics paint a grim picture of a world where loss of life is trivialized, and the concept of divine redemption is rendered impotent. The opening lines, 'God is waiting, always hating / Endlessly,' suggest a deity that is indifferent or even hostile, setting the tone for a narrative steeped in nihilism and existential dread. The image of an 'impotent redeemer hanging helpless on the cross' further underscores the futility of seeking salvation in a world consumed by hatred and violence.

The recurring phrase 'I for an eye, tooth for a truth' encapsulates the song's central theme of retributive justice. This ancient principle of 'an eye for an eye' is juxtaposed with the modern notion of 'tooth for a truth,' suggesting that the quest for truth and justice often leads to more pain and suffering. The lyrics 'Pain in kind / Try to see things straight / The hate has made you blind' highlight how vengeance and hatred can cloud one's judgment, leading to a never-ending cycle of violence and retribution.

The song also touches on themes of addiction and societal decay. Lines like 'Spent a lifetime shooting up / But still they drag you down' reflect the struggles of individuals trapped in cycles of substance abuse and societal neglect. The phrase 'Deliberate infliction / From a whiter shade of brown' could be interpreted as a commentary on racial and social inequalities that perpetuate suffering. The song's closing lines, 'Manic, / Always searching what you'll never find / (You're blind),' serve as a poignant reminder of the futility of seeking meaning or redemption in a world marred by hatred and despair.