In today’s music industry, there are countless songs that tackle the theme of religion and spirituality. From gospel music to religious rock, these artists try to convey their messages through their music. One such song that has been making waves in recent times is “Unholy” by the American rock band, Halestorm. This song has sparked numerous debates among fans and critics alike about its meaning, and in this article, we will try to dissect the lyrics and understand what the band is trying to convey.
Firstly, let’s take a look at the chorus of the song:
“I’ll be your whatever you want
The bittersweet taste of your lips
I’ll be your angel or your devil
If you need something to worship
Oh, I’ll be your unholy”
Right off the bat, one thing that is apparent is the duality of the lines. The singer seems to be addressing someone, possibly a lover, and is offering to be whatever they need them to be. The choice of words is also noteworthy, especially the last line where they mention being “unholy” as a potential option. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, which is an exploration of the concept of good and evil, and how they are often intertwined.
Moving on to the first verse:
“I was born on the wrong side of the train tracks
The only grace was that I was born well stacked
Came into the world, doing all right
But somewhere along the line, I started to fight”
The opening lines of the verse talk about the singer’s background, how they were born on the “wrong side” of town. This could be interpreted as them coming from a place of disadvantage, maybe even poverty. However, they seem to have a certain pride in their physique, which is described as being “well stacked.” The next two lines talk about their initial state of being, where they were “doing all right,” but somewhere along the way, they started to “fight.” This lack of clarity could be interpreted in various ways. It could mean that they got involved with the wrong crowd or faced hardships that pushed them to become more aggressive.
The next part of the verse goes like this:
“Well, I don’t look for trouble, but trouble looks for me
And it found me all too soon
I don’t have your silver spoon
But a war cry is something that I learned to do”
These lyrics seem to be referencing the singer’s rebellious streak. They state that they don’t go looking for trouble, but it seems to find them anyway. This could be interpreted as them being misunderstood or being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The line, “I don’t have your silver spoon” could be viewed as a commentary on class differences and how someone coming from a lower socioeconomic background has to work harder to achieve their goals. The final line of the verse, “But a war cry is something that I learned to do,” shows the singer’s determination and grit in the face of adversity.
Moving on to the second verse:
“I can be your cure or your addiction
You can find salvation inside of my veins
I’ll take you to the brink and bring you back to life
If you want to cross the line, baby, I’m gon’ make you mine”
These lines are reminiscent of the chorus, where the singer talks about being whatever the other person needs them to be. The idea of being a “cure or an addiction” is something that many people can relate to, especially when it comes to relationships. The next line, “You can find salvation inside of my veins,” is interesting because it suggests a religious connotation. The idea of finding salvation within someone else’s body is not something that is typical in everyday conversations. However, it could be interpreted as the singer being a vessel for the other person’s redemption.
The last line of the verse, “If you want to cross the line, baby, I’m gon’ make you mine,” is a clear sign of the singer’s dominant personality. They seem to be in control of the situation, and the other person has to give in to their demands.
Finally, let’s take a look at the bridge:
“I’m not afraid to face my demons
I’m not afraid to face the truth
And I’m just a little bit addicted
To lighting up the room”
These lines provide an excellent insight into the singer’s psyche. They state that they are not afraid to confront their demons and face the truth, which is an admirable quality. However, it also shows that the singer is aware of their dark side and embraces it. The line, “And I’m just a little bit addicted to lighting up the room,” suggests that the singer thrives on attention and likes to be the center of attention.
In conclusion, “Unholy” is a song that tackles various themes, including good and evil, class differences, addiction, and redemption. The lyrics are open to interpretation, and the song can mean different things to different people. However, one thing that is clear is that Halestorm has created a powerful anthem that speaks to the human condition and highlights the complex interplay between light and darkness within us all.