§3 Lyrics

Lyric discussion by EternalTearsOfSorrow 

Cover art for §3 lyrics by Opeth

This is about the birth of a girl with polio. The story of the track & album is that the patriarch broke his marriage vow by having an affair with a servant so after the child was born and got sick, he promised he’ll raise her as everyone in the house loved her but he sends the servant away. §3 encapsulates the album’s broader exploration of the costs of secrecy & betrayal. The patriarch’s confession is both an act of redemption and a catalyst for upheaval, forcing the family to confront the truth about their legacy. While his acknowledgment of guilt provides a chance for healing, it also leaves behind a trail of pain and disillusionment.

Song Meaning
Mixed
Subjective
Sadness
Betrayal
Redemption
Secrecy
Confession
Legacy