Being Able To Feel Nothing
Oathbreaker
The Struggle for Emotional Emptiness in 'Being Able To Feel Nothing'
Oathbreaker's song 'Being Able To Feel Nothing' delves into the harrowing experience of emotional and psychological turmoil. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person grappling with an internal beast, a metaphor for their inner demons or mental anguish. This beast is described as starving and relentless, playing with the protagonist until it grows bored and then inflicting pain by reopening old wounds. This imagery suggests a cycle of suffering and torment that the individual feels powerless to escape from, highlighting the relentless nature of their inner struggles.
The protagonist's desperate actions, such as reaching for a knife to carve a hole in their chest, symbolize a profound desire to escape their pain by any means necessary. This act of self-mutilation is not just a cry for help but a plea for emptiness, a longing to hollow out the emotional and psychological burdens that weigh them down. The knife's reflection of their determined face underscores the intensity of their resolve to find relief, even if it means resorting to extreme measures. This part of the song captures the depth of their despair and the lengths they are willing to go to achieve a state of emotional numbness.
The final verses of the song introduce a moment of release and transformation. As the protagonist drags themselves outside and faces the sun, they experience a strange sense of weightlessness and detachment. This moment of 'feeling nothing' is both a relief and a revelation, suggesting that the act of letting go, even if it involves self-destruction, can bring a fleeting sense of peace. The song's exploration of these dark themes resonates with listeners who have faced similar struggles, offering a raw and unfiltered look at the complexities of mental health and the human desire for emotional respite.