Thus Always To Tyrants

The Oh Hellos' song 'Thus Always To Tyrants' is a poetic exploration of death, resurrection, and the enduring connection between souls. The opening lines, 'Let me die, let me drown, lay my bones in the ground,' evoke a sense of surrender to the natural cycle of life and death. However, the promise to 'still come around when the time for sleep is through' suggests a belief in life beyond death, a resurrection that transcends physical demise. This theme is reinforced by the imagery of traveling 'over hill, over dale, through the valley and vale,' symbolizing the soul's journey back to a loved one, urging them not to mourn but to anticipate a reunion.

The song's chorus, with its repetitive 'Oh, oh,' serves as a haunting reminder of the cyclical nature of life and the inevitability of change. The lines 'Every tomb, every sea, spit the bones from your teeth' and 'Let the ransomed be free as the revel meets the day' speak to the liberation of the soul from the confines of the physical world. The valleys awakening and shaking in the wind symbolize renewal and the transformative power of nature, which can restore what time has eroded.

In the latter part of the song, the lyrics shift to a more introspective tone, questioning the listener's willingness to embrace change and growth. 'Where I go, will you still follow? Will you leave your shaded hollow?' challenges the listener to step out of their comfort zone and face the daylight, learning to 'love without consuming.' This call to action is both a personal and universal appeal, urging us to seek deeper connections and a more profound understanding of love and life. The song's closing lines, with the imagery of 'dry bones dance with the timbrel and lyre,' encapsulate the theme of resurrection and the joyous celebration of life renewed.