Severed

The Decemberists' song 'Severed' delves into themes of isolation, power, and destruction, wrapped in a haunting and enigmatic narrative. The lyrics paint a picture of a protagonist who is both a whisper and a force of nature, suggesting a duality of being both subtle and overwhelmingly powerful. The repeated phrase 'I alight like a whisper' juxtaposed with 'I alight with the lights out' creates an eerie atmosphere, hinting at a presence that is both unseen and inevitable.

The protagonist's alliance with winter and a landslide symbolizes a connection to coldness, desolation, and unstoppable natural forces. Winter often represents death or dormancy, while a landslide signifies sudden and uncontrollable destruction. These metaphors suggest that the protagonist sees themselves as an agent of change, albeit through harsh and destructive means. The repeated warning 'Don't you get clever' implies a threat to those who might underestimate or challenge this force.

The lines 'I alone am the answer / I alone will make wrongs right' reveal a messianic complex, where the protagonist believes they are the sole solution to a problem, but their methods are extreme. The reference to rooting out cancer 'kept from the sight' suggests a hidden, insidious threat that must be eradicated, even if it means severe measures. The imagery of being 'born to a jackal' and 'born in a whiteout' further emphasizes a harsh, almost inhuman origin, reinforcing the idea of a relentless and merciless force. The song's dark tone and vivid metaphors create a chilling narrative about power, destruction, and the isolation that comes with being an agent of such change.