Necessary Evil

Memphis May Fire's song 'Necessary Evil' delves into the complex and often painful dualities of life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the coexistence of pleasure and pain, symbolized by the imagery of a 'back full of thorns in a bed full of roses.' This metaphor suggests that life is a blend of beauty and suffering, and one must accept both to truly experience it. The repeated phrase 'take the pleasure with the pain, double doses' reinforces the idea that these contrasting experiences are inseparable and must be endured together.

The song also explores the concept of control, or rather, the illusion of it. Lines like 'control is an illusion, get a grip then you lose it' highlight the futility of trying to dominate life's unpredictable nature. This theme is further emphasized by the notion that 'life’s a game only won in the mind's eye,' suggesting that true victory lies in one's mental and emotional resilience rather than external circumstances. The struggle to find meaning and escape from emotional turmoil is a recurring theme, as seen in the lines 'stuck in a rage, can’t escape the emotion.'

'Necessary Evil' also touches on the inevitability of suffering and the acceptance of life's harsh realities. The chorus, with its stark declaration that 'life is pain and love is lethal, it’s all necessary evil,' encapsulates the song's central message. This acceptance is not about resignation but rather about understanding that pain and love are integral parts of the human experience. The song encourages listeners to 'embrace the grave and learn to use it,' suggesting that acknowledging and accepting life's darker aspects can lead to personal growth and resilience. The repeated calls to 'bow your head to the balanced scale' and 'all hail' imply a surrender to the natural order of things, recognizing that balance and duality are fundamental to existence.