In Effigy

Yet another great Shadows Fall song, this band is truly amazing. This new album should be sweet.

I know that "effigy" is something (ex. a statue) that represents someone. So maybe this song is about being represented?? Sometimes Brain Fair confuses me :P

Awesome song to kick off an awesome album...as far as the meaning goes it sounds like a tyrannical leader that's meeting his end.

A effigy is a burning symbol of something its usally negative u dont wont people making effigys of u trust me

To me: This song is about the false story that we believe to be ourselves. From birth we are taught and moulded in a way that limits our true potential, not because our parents were evil or anything, but because they didn't know any better. In other words, I think it's about the complacency that society forces upon us.

I'll break down what I believe the song is about, verse by verse:

Verse 1: "You will never Give the power To the powerless Your new ideal Has Grown Beyond your control"

This describes someone operating solely from an egotistical point of view. The ego strives for power and never wants to give it up. Its lust for power controls itself.

Chorus: "Can you ever find yourself again? Your vision distorting Knowing it will never end Can't see through your eyes"

"Can you ever find yourself again?" = Can you see through the power struggle of the ego and just simply be? (be yourself)

The last 3 lines of the chorus describes how narrow minded the ego is. Meaning you only see what you want to see.

Verse 2:

"Can you imagine What is only One step away? The potential Is waiting Just beyond your grasp"

If you were to just open your eyes to the possibilities, you would have limitless potential and be able to accomplish anything you desire.

Chorus 2:

"Can you ever find yourself again? Your vision distorting Knowing it will never end Can you keep fighting on and on?"

Essentially the same as the first chorus, but with a slight difference. "Can you keep fighting on and on?" I see that as "You are only fighting yourself, so wake up." to keep it short.

Verse 3:

"This false me Will burn, in effigy"

I refuse to give in to a lie. By "burning" what is false and just being myself.

"It's so easy To relax and watch from afar It's so easy to give in to inertia"

But on the other hand, It is so easy to give into complacency and just be a pawn.

Chorus 3:

"Can you ever find yourself again? Your vision distorting Knowing it will never end Can't see through your eyes"

Each time the chorus adds a more extreme outcome of narrow mindedness at the end of it. "Can't see through your eyes."

If you don't wake up to the truth, you will be blinded by the lies, forever living with fear, doubt and a lack of free will.

Done. That's my interpretation to an excellent song. Shadows Fall are an amazing band, both lyrically and instrumentally. Cya =)