They Rode On

Watain's song 'They Rode On' is a haunting exploration of existential themes, wrapped in a narrative of eternal wanderers. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of beings emerging from the depths of the earth, ancient yet newly born, who find themselves in a world that feels alien to them. This sense of displacement and the search for belonging is a central theme, as these wanderers traverse hidden roads and barren wastelands, their journey illuminated only by a bitter moon and the distant gleam of their fire.

The imagery of riding with shut eyes during the day and wide open eyes at night suggests a profound disconnection from the mundane world and a deeper connection to the mysteries of the night. The wanderers' indifference to earthly riches and their encounters with lonely vagrants highlight their detachment from material concerns and societal norms. Their scarred yet beautiful faces and their melancholic songs in strange tongues evoke a sense of timelessness and otherworldliness, as if they are beings out of myth or legend.

The repeated refrain 'So they rode on' underscores the relentless nature of their journey, a march into the dark that is both literal and metaphorical. The song poses a poignant question to the listener: could you join these wanderers, let go of conventional notions of right and wrong, and embrace the unknown? This challenge to the listener adds a layer of introspection, inviting us to consider our own willingness to venture into the unknown and to confront the mysteries of existence.

Watain, known for their black metal roots, infuse 'They Rode On' with a sense of epic storytelling and dark, poetic lyricism. The song's melancholic and reflective tone, combined with its rich imagery, makes it a compelling meditation on the human condition, the search for meaning, and the acceptance of life's inherent uncertainties.