July 20th

Reconcile's song 'July 20th' delves into the themes of pain, betrayal, and the quest for redemption. The lyrics open with a poignant acknowledgment that the suffering experienced is not the fault of the individuals involved, suggesting a collective trauma. The line 'we became the martyrs for ourselves' indicates a self-sacrificial journey, where the individuals have endured hardship, possibly for a greater cause or personal growth. This martyrdom, however, has led them down a path of disillusionment, as they admit to having 'proved us wrong, went the wrong way.' This reflects a sense of regret and the difficulty of trusting others in the aftermath of their experiences.

The song continues to explore the theme of insufficient support and the rarity of pure souls, as expressed in 'ten pure souls are just too few for all there is to mend.' This line underscores the overwhelming nature of their pain and the scarcity of genuine, trustworthy people. Despite giving their hearts, the effort seems futile, as 'it's just not enough.' The mention of enjoying 'the company of our hymns' suggests that music or shared experiences provided some solace, yet it was not a lasting solution. The plea for salvation, 'come save me from the mess I'm in,' highlights a desperate need for guidance and rescue from their current turmoil.

The recurring motif of being lost and needing a guiding light is a powerful metaphor for the search for direction and hope. The protagonist feels 'locked in hell' and acknowledges that someone pulled them out without expecting anything in return, yet the sense of being lost persists. The song's closing lines, 'come take me home. come save me, I'm running blind in foreign lands,' emphasize the longing for a safe haven and a return to a place of comfort and security. This plea for help and the acknowledgment of running blind in unfamiliar territory encapsulate the essence of the song's emotional and existential struggle.