Beat Breaker: “Doomsday” by Atreyu

Song Title: Doomsday
Artist: Atreyu
Album: Lead Sails Paper Anchor
Label: Hollywood/Roadrunner
Genre: Alternative Metal/Hard Rock
Time: 3:10

Content Warning: This song contains colorful language that isn’t good for the little ones, as well as some color phrases that they probably shouldn’t hear.

Not every Beat Breaker we do will look at Christian oriented songs, since I believe we can pull wisdom from any song through a Biblical view. Whether it be good or bad, each song has various levels of meaning to reflect on. The song “Doomsday,” crafted from the band Atreyu (Ah-Tray-U) as the first track of Lead Sails Paper Anchor, gives a unique perspective for us to learn from.

Feeling of song

Okay, if I’m listening to a song called, “Doomsday”, I expect it to punch me in the face from the get go. I don’t need a little soft melody laid down to get me ready. Not at all… I want something that’s going to hit me hard! In this song we get that. There’s a powerful riff that starts it off right, immediately pulling you in to the groove of the song. Even during the chorus, the bridge, and the middle section of the song, you get something slightly softer but still a constant reminder that this is doomsday.

Lyrics and Meaning

I’m sensing a lot of personal hurt in “Doomsday.” The first stanza describes “A rush of blood, to my head leaves me winded and wanting to feel the weakness, in my body. Beaten and crushed like my soul.” These lyrics are clearly distant from any trace of happiness, yet even for expressing sadness, “wanting to feel the weakness” takes it to a whole different level of sorrow.

The song then goes on to say in the next verse, ”The memories stacking up and they pull at my guts. What do I have to do to end it? The better days hacked away leaving the only pain. This regret is never ending.” Now, you might realize that the artist of the song could have done something to cause this suffering, and he’s really feeling down on himself. As much as he hates it, he seems like he wants to hold onto the pain.

The last part of the second verse laments how, “But in the blink of an eye, this life passes you by, I wish that I could give you my time.” Who is this, “you” that he is referencing? Give that question careful thought before you answer it. It could be a romantic lover, but think about the deep pain that you’re hearing in this song, and the lack of romantic feelings expressed. Maybe this isn’t really a love song; maybe it’s something much darker. Whatever it is, it seems to be coming to an end, and the artist is overwhelmingly distraught by it.

Life Application

First of all, there is no final doomsday for the Christian. We expect something that is the complete opposite, no matter how hopeless our circumstances seem in the present. When Christ returns, it won’t be a doomed day of darkness for the saved. Instead, it will be a day of light where we can rejoice with the risen savior. Matthew 24:27 says that just as lighting flashes eastward and shines to the west, so it will be when Jesus comes.

Other than that, we can learn from this song to not let our emotions lead into putting ourselves down. I admit that I enjoy the way he vividly describes his bitterness, and I can’t blame him without knowing what exact struggle he went through. Still, there’s a difference between venting your sorrow and destroying yourself with despair.  I just hope it’s not about a girl. For anyone feeling this consumed by a broken relationship especially, it’s time to check what your heart is trusting in and take an immediate step towards healing.

Did I get it right? Do you feel differently about this song? Let us know in the comments section. Speak your mind and stay tuned in to Geeks Under Grace to experience more Beat Breakers.