Distance

Soilwork's song "Distance" delves into the existential struggle of finding meaning and authenticity in a world that often feels superficial and disconnected. The opening lines, "Can you please remind me where the fuck I've been / Cause I can't find it out you see," set the tone for a journey of self-discovery and a search for a 'vital place'—a state of being that feels genuine and alive. The lyrics suggest a sense of disorientation and a longing to reconnect with one's true self, which has been obscured by the 'corrosion of emotions' and the 'extension of deceptions.' This corrosion represents the emotional numbness and deceit that can cloud one's perception and lead to a 'final collapse,' a metaphor for a personal crisis or breakdown.

The chorus, with its repeated question, "Is that your only entertainment? (Spoiling your desire) / To blow your minds on a one-way track," criticizes the pursuit of shallow thrills and distractions. The 'one-way track' symbolizes a path with no return, suggesting that these pursuits lead to a dead end. The line, "I tell you a lie and you make it a statement (Sleeping in denial)," highlights how easily people can be misled and how they often accept falsehoods as truths, living in a state of denial. This reflects a broader commentary on societal tendencies to prioritize superficial pleasures over deeper, more meaningful experiences.

The song also touches on the theme of fear and its pervasive influence, as seen in the lines, "Fear is selling and you're one with the fact / Counting the days for rebirth." Here, fear is commodified, and people are complicit in their own manipulation, waiting for a 'rebirth' that may never come. The repetition of "You're wasting the time of your lives" serves as a stark reminder of the preciousness of time and the importance of seeking genuine fulfillment rather than succumbing to the distractions and deceptions of modern life. Soilwork's powerful lyrics and intense musical style amplify these themes, making "Distance" a poignant critique of contemporary existence.