Steambreather Lyrics

Lyric discussion by gonzo46and2 

Cover art for Steambreather lyrics by Mastodon

Running outside the Nazca Lines

The Nazca lines are mysterious geoglyphs in Peru which have differing theories on their purpose. A majority of those theories are of a celestial nature either in a polytheistic sense or of an astrological one.

The lyric makes me think of possibly existing outside of God's influence. Another thought is that the writer is tripping on halucinogens and is 'outside the lines' of normal perception. God and halucinogens are intrinsically linked in many older cultures especially in South America

this part:

Violence born within my mind I know it always takes its time Climbing inside the cosmic eye And forgive the enemy

The lines

You know I see you all in white Hoping you'll grow the fruitful vines An array to give us life

Seem to be asking the creator for blessing

A common occurence with breakthrough psychedlic use is the 'ego death' which is generally a dissolving of the perception of self into the single 'life consciousness' of all things in the universe. The violence of the ego is gone and all that remains is harmony or love or whatever descriptor you'd like.

I wonder who I am Reflections Offer Nothing I wonder where I stand I'm afraid of myself

Those lyrics really make me think of possibly some kind of vision quest or other rite of passage using psychelics.