Letting Go

Praying Mantis's song 'Letting Go' delves into the profound and often unsettling themes of mortality, existentialism, and the human condition. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person grappling with the inevitability of death and the transient nature of life. The opening lines, 'I close my tired eyes I leave this world / Still the heart it wants to beat,' suggest a weariness with life, yet an intrinsic desire to continue living. This duality is a central theme throughout the song, highlighting the tension between the desire to hold on and the necessity of letting go.

The recurring imagery of light and darkness serves as a powerful metaphor for life and death. Phrases like 'See the light it's not an early dawn' and 'The light now waiting to shine on you' evoke a sense of an impending transition, possibly to an afterlife or a different state of being. The light symbolizes hope and guidance, contrasting with the 'cruel game' of life and the fear of the unknown, much like a 'blind man who fears for the night.' This metaphor underscores the uncertainty and fear that often accompany thoughts of mortality.

The chorus, 'Letting go, letting go / The evil cry, the angels sing,' encapsulates the song's core message. It suggests a release from earthly struggles and a movement towards a more peaceful, perhaps spiritual, existence. The juxtaposition of 'evil' and 'angels' implies a battle between dark and light forces, ultimately resolved through the act of letting go. This act is portrayed as both a surrender and a liberation, guiding the soul towards a new beginning. The song's contemplative tone and evocative lyrics invite listeners to reflect on their own lives and the universal journey of coming to terms with our finite existence.