Walking In Circles

Phil Campbell And The Bastard Sons' song 'Walking In Circles' delves into the struggles of battling inner demons and the cyclical nature of personal torment. The recurring imagery of the 'black dog' is a well-known metaphor for depression, suggesting that the protagonist is grappling with deep-seated emotional pain. The lyrics 'Black dog has found me wicked by design' and 'Dark clouds surround me they're closing in' paint a vivid picture of the suffocating nature of these internal battles, where the protagonist feels trapped and overwhelmed by their own mind.

The chorus, with its repetition of 'I can't hide now, I can't breathe now, I can't see, 'Cause I'm walking in circles,' emphasizes the feeling of being stuck in a relentless cycle of despair. This sense of entrapment is further highlighted by the lines 'Inside the maze I crept, Retracing every step in depth,' which suggest a futile attempt to navigate through one's own mental labyrinth. The storm metaphor, 'Let the storm set me free from the demons deep within,' indicates a desire for a cathartic release, hoping that confronting these inner storms might lead to liberation.

The song also touches on themes of resilience and self-empowerment. Despite the overwhelming darkness, the protagonist declares, 'I've been to hell and back, To break away from the pack, I no longer fear the wrath, It's time to walk my own path.' This shift from despair to determination signifies a turning point, where the individual decides to confront their pain head-on and carve out their own path to healing. The repeated exhortation to 'Keep walking on' serves as a rallying cry for perseverance, encouraging listeners to continue their journey despite the obstacles they face.