Rebirth by THE SHADOW SELF presents a vivid tale of freedom by spiritual awakening. It describes a broken and lost soul but inner power hurt deep within. THE SHADOW SELF employs these of ashes, fires, and soul bottom metaphors as a representation of destruction as a gateway to a new kind of life. It’s a bite that emerges on a positive note, like after having broken into pieces always time is viable and a new beginning can emerge.

The words conjure images of leaving behind fear and pain of days past. Lines that talk of surrender and acceptance speak only of renewal after we have learned to accept ourselves for better and for worse and all that lies between. Allusion to Medusa’s freeze-smile broaches getting stuck in remorse or guilt. Rather than succumbing, THE SHADOW SELF would instead dance to the beat of renewal and move beyond shadows as sources of empowerment.

The lyrics delve into a communal experience as well. A “come take the dive” asks explicitly that this renewing’s not a solitary experience. It’s a plea to dive in further, in which spirits communicate beyond flesh on a conscious or unconscious-level. It’s a feeling of that stream pushing a musician further in as a risk and a liberty at once, as trusting something beyond one’s own self.

At its conclusion is a definitive triumph of life over lethargy. Scars still exist, though no longer do these determine their grasp. These lyrics luxuriate in life as sacramental and gritty, something that breaks into life once we have opened ourselves to itswholeness. Rebirth is deeply personal and public, a summons to emerge out of fear and recover that which makes us completely alive. THE SHADOW SELF’s lyrics insist that we remember that cure commences once we have had strength to plunge headfirst into abyss.