Ashley

Escape The Fate's song 'Ashley' delves into the themes of love, dependency, and finding purpose through another person. The lyrics paint a picture of a protagonist who feels lost and engulfed by darkness, with shadows falling on their past and time slipping away. This sense of despair is vividly captured in lines like 'I'm nothing, when darkness follows me' and 'I'm left dying here instead with nothing, a lock without a key.' The imagery of a lock without a key symbolizes a sense of being trapped and incomplete.

However, the song takes a turn with the introduction of Ashley, who is depicted as a beacon of light and hope. The chorus, 'Ashley, baby, you make me feel so alive. I've got purpose once again,' highlights the transformative power of love and connection. Ashley is portrayed as the brightest star, shining through the protagonist's darkness and giving them a renewed sense of purpose. This relationship is not just a source of emotional support but also a reason for the protagonist to keep fighting and trying, as emphasized in the lines 'You're the strength I need to fight, You're the reason I still try.'

The song also touches on the idea of obsession and dependency, with the protagonist admitting that they are 'nothing' without Ashley and cannot breathe or see without her. This intense dependency is both a source of strength and a potential vulnerability, as it places a significant amount of emotional weight on the relationship. The repeated affirmation of finding purpose through Ashley underscores the central theme of the song: the profound impact that one person can have on another's life, pulling them out of darkness and giving them a reason to live and thrive.