Take Me Higher

Qual's 'Take Me Higher' is a dark and haunting exploration of despair, existential dread, and the longing for release. The song's repetitive and stark lyrics, such as 'Death, Desire, Disease, Expire,' paint a vivid picture of the artist's inner turmoil. These words evoke a sense of inevitability and decay, suggesting a life plagued by suffering and a desire to escape from it. The imagery of being 'skinned' and 'scalped' further intensifies the feeling of being stripped bare, both physically and emotionally, exposing the raw pain beneath.

The chorus, 'Take me higher to the perfect cliff top where I can see my pitiful life flash before me,' serves as a metaphor for the ultimate release from suffering. The cliff top symbolizes a vantage point from which the artist can reflect on their life, seeing it in its entirety before making the final leap. This moment of reflection is both a confrontation with the past and a preparation for the end, encapsulating the theme of seeking a 'perfect death song.' The 'lamenting lullaby' and 'lute for a lurgy' suggest a desire for a peaceful, almost poetic end to the suffering, contrasting the harshness of the verses with a yearning for tranquility in death.

Qual, known for his darkwave and post-punk influences, uses this song to delve deep into themes of existential angst and the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless existence. The repetitive structure of the lyrics mirrors the cyclical nature of despair, where the same thoughts and feelings loop endlessly. The 'slow release' of the soul deserting the body signifies a gradual detachment from the physical world, a slow surrender to the inevitable. This song is a poignant expression of the struggle between the desire to hold on and the longing to let go, capturing the essence of human suffering and the quest for peace.