Unrest

Parkway Drive's song 'Unrest' delves deep into the disillusionment and existential angst that many people experience in modern society. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world that feels increasingly cold and hostile, despite the protagonist's repeated attempts to navigate it. The opening lines, 'I walked this streets a thousand times / Still this world never seemed colder,' set the tone for a narrative of relentless struggle and compromise. The protagonist feels crushed by 'endless desperation, endless surrender,' highlighting a sense of being overwhelmed by life's challenges and the malicious intentions of others.

The recurring phrase 'retrace the steps' serves as a powerful metaphor for self-reflection and questioning one's life choices. The protagonist grapples with the realization that they have become something they never intended to be, asking, 'Is this what I have become?' and 'What the fuck have I become?' This introspection reveals a deep dissatisfaction with the path they've taken, suggesting that the pursuit of security and routine has led to a hollow existence. The line 'Security, illusion for the weak / Refuge, sought in routine' criticizes the false sense of safety that people often seek in predictable, monotonous lives.

The song also critiques societal structures, likening life to a 'rat race' where even the winners are still 'nothing but a fucking rat.' This harsh imagery underscores the futility of striving for success in a system that ultimately dehumanizes individuals. The protagonist sees the city as 'a monument to the depths of human misery,' a stark reminder of the collective suffering and ignorance that pervades society. The repeated question, 'What have we become?' serves as a poignant call to examine the true cost of our ambitions and the societal norms we adhere to, urging listeners to reconsider their values and the direction of their lives.