All That I Bleed

Savatage's song "All That I Bleed" delves into the complex emotions that people often hide beneath the surface. The narrative begins with someone receiving a letter, which is already worn and tattered, symbolizing the passage of time and the weight of unspoken feelings. This letter serves as a metaphor for the hidden truths and emotions that people keep inside, which are often masked by a facade. The lyrics suggest that while people may try to maintain a composed exterior, their true feelings eventually surface, leading to a sense of betrayal by their own hearts.

The song continues to explore the theme of hidden emotions through the story of a woman reading the letter. As she reads, she realizes that things have changed and that the winds of life have caused her to pull her coat tighter, a metaphor for trying to protect herself from emotional pain. The letter flying away represents the release of these pent-up emotions, which she can no longer contain. The recurring line about the face putting on its best disguise highlights the universal struggle of hiding one's true feelings from the world.

In the chorus, the plea to the Lord to bring on the night and wrap it around the narrator signifies a desire for solace and escape from the emotional turmoil. The night is seen as a comforting blanket that can absorb all the pain and sorrow, allowing the narrator to metaphorically 'fly away' from their troubles. This imagery of flight suggests a longing for freedom and relief from the burdens of hidden emotions. The song captures the essence of human vulnerability and the inevitable moment when one's true feelings can no longer be concealed.