Chopped In Half

Obituary's song 'Chopped In Half' delves into the brutal and visceral aspects of death and decay. The lyrics are stark and graphic, painting a vivid picture of a violent end. The repeated imagery of being 'chopped in half' and the subsequent spilling of blood from the mouth is a powerful metaphor for the sudden and gruesome nature of death. This imagery is not just about physical dismemberment but also symbolizes the abrupt and often unexpected nature of mortality.

The phrase 'with rotting ways comes destiny' suggests that decay and death are inevitable parts of life. This line implies that no matter how one lives, the end result is the same: death and decomposition. The inevitability of this fate is a central theme in the song, highlighting the futility of resisting the natural order. The use of the word 'destiny' adds a sense of predestination, as if this grim end is written in the stars for everyone.

The line 'feel the soul taking over' introduces a spiritual dimension to the song. It suggests that in the moment of death, there is a transition from the physical to the spiritual. This could be interpreted as the soul leaving the body, a common theme in many cultures' understanding of death. The command to 'bleed' at the end of each verse serves as a stark reminder of the physical reality of death, grounding the more abstract concepts in a visceral, bodily experience. Obituary's musical style, characterized by heavy, doom-laden riffs and guttural vocals, complements the dark themes of the lyrics, creating an immersive experience that forces the listener to confront the harsh realities of mortality.