Wishing Wells

Parkway Drive's 'Wishing Wells' is a visceral exploration of anger, loss, and the search for meaning in the face of overwhelming grief. The song opens with a provocative vow, where the narrator calls upon God, only to be met with silence. This silence fuels a deep-seated frustration and a desire to confront both divine and demonic forces, symbolizing a struggle with faith and the search for answers in a world that feels indifferent to suffering. The imagery of digging a shallow hole and the vow to 'kill gods' underscores a profound sense of betrayal and the need to hold someone accountable for the pain experienced.

The lyrics delve into the emotional turmoil of the narrator, who outwardly claims to be coping while internally drowning in sorrow. This duality highlights the common human experience of masking true feelings, especially when dealing with loss and emptiness. The mention of 'peripheral glances' and 'chasing of a sound' evokes the haunting presence of memories and the longing for something that is no longer there. The song captures the essence of grief, where the absence of a loved one leaves a void that is impossible to fill, leading to a desperate search for a place to place the blame.

The chorus, with its powerful imagery of burning heaven and flooding hell, represents a complete rejection of traditional notions of salvation and damnation. The 'wishing wells' symbolize futile hopes and dreams that have drowned in the face of harsh reality. The repeated vow to 'kill gods' signifies a rebellion against the forces that the narrator feels have abandoned them. The song concludes with a stark declaration that both God and the devil have died inside the narrator, indicating a loss of faith and a profound transformation brought on by suffering. 'Wishing Wells' is a raw and unflinching portrayal of the human condition, grappling with the existential questions that arise from profound loss and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe.