Ruin

Lamb of God's song "Ruin" delves into the darker aspects of human nature and societal decay. The lyrics suggest that seeking approval from others leads to self-destruction, highlighting the internal conflict between personal integrity and societal expectations. The phrase "the murder of self" encapsulates this idea, indicating that conforming to external pressures can erode one's true identity. This theme is further emphasized by the repeated assertion that this is the "end of all progress" and the "death of evolution," suggesting a stagnation or regression in human development when individuals forsake their true selves for the sake of acceptance.

The imagery in the song is vivid and haunting, with references to streams of solace that are few and narrow, and brooks that babble the sounds of torture. These metaphors paint a bleak picture of a world where comfort and peace are scarce, and suffering is pervasive. The idea of riding these streams to flood the banks of the chosen implies a destructive force that will eventually overwhelm even the privileged or powerful. This is described as the "art of ruin," a deliberate and calculated process of bringing about destruction and chaos.

The song also touches on themes of fear, pain, hatred, and power, suggesting that these negative emotions and experiences are integral to the process of ruin. The line "I will teach you all that I have mastered" implies a transfer of this dark knowledge, indicating that the cycle of ruin is perpetuated through learning and imitation. Overall, "Ruin" is a powerful commentary on the destructive tendencies inherent in human nature and the consequences of losing one's true self in the pursuit of external validation.