In The Company Of Wolves
Incubus
Transformation in the Wilderness: A Journey with Wolves
Incubus' song "In The Company Of Wolves" delves into themes of transformation, self-discovery, and facing one's fears. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a personal journey, beginning with a sense of being lost and culminating in a profound transformation. The opening lines, "I was lost but now I am found," suggest a rebirth or awakening, a common motif in literature and music that signifies a significant change in the protagonist's life. The mention of a boy who has gone and the need to grieve and let him go indicates a shedding of the past self, making way for a new identity to emerge.
The recurring imagery of wolves serves as a powerful metaphor for fear, danger, and the unknown. Sitting in silence among wolves, the protagonist is both observant and afraid, highlighting the tension between vulnerability and the need for courage. The wolves' eyes, described as glowing embers, symbolize a fierce, almost mystical presence that plays a crucial role in the protagonist's transformation. This encounter with the wolves is a rite of passage, a trial by fire that ultimately leads to the creation of a new, stronger self.
The song also touches on the concept of serenity and the importance of change. Lines like "I was low but now I am high" and "Something's wrong when it all remains the same" emphasize the necessity of growth and evolution. The protagonist's journey through the wilderness, marked by the longest night of their life, is a metaphor for enduring hardship and emerging stronger. The reference to Aurora's lights ceasing to shine and the feeling of being truly alive for the first time suggests a moment of clarity and enlightenment, achieved through facing and overcoming profound challenges.