MESSIAH by Dylan Wilson (2024)

This is the moment I will always see
This is the moment I will always be
Spiralling dunes
And the stone's broken gift
My eyes start stinging
And my soul starts to drift
I see it forever
I see it in the stars

I see the burning night sky
The destiny that's ours
The fate I'm never changing
With blood spilled on the sand
The fate left ever reaching
The lives left in my hand

The daze, the legends, coming true at last
The melding of the future with the distant past
They'll speak of me now
Encircled by the flames
They will cower at my voices
They will tremble at my names
Friends turned to creatures
Swallowed by the myth
Atoms turned to darkness
Resting in my fist
I spoke of dreaming dancers
And a world that I'd call home

I lost the sight I wanted
I'm cast out all alone

In the opening lines of the song "Messiah," Dylan Wilson paints an evocative image of a pivotal moment that transcends the ordinary. The repetition of "This is the moment I will always see" emphasizes the significance of this experience, suggesting a vision that is both transformative and eternal. The imagery that follows—"spiralling dunes" and "the stone's broken gift"—creates a sense of natural beauty juxtaposed with loss or decay. This duality reflects how moments of clarity can emerge from the chaos of life. As the singer's eyes begin to sting, there is a palpable sense of emotional turbulence, hinting at a deeper introspection. The drifting of the soul indicates a yearning for spiritual fulfillment or connection, suggesting that this moment goes beyond mere physical presence to touch the essence of existence itself.

The reference to the stars and "the burning night sky" introduces a cosmic perspective, implying that the singer's destiny is intertwined with a greater fate that is both inevitable and predetermined. The phrase "the fate I'm never changing" underscores a sense of resignation; it suggests that the singer is aware of a path that is set for them, one that is shaped by past actions, choices, and perhaps a sense of prophecy. The imagery of "blood spilled on the sand" evokes themes of sacrifice and struggle, hinting at the turmoil that has paved the way to this moment. Furthermore, the notion of "lives left in my hand" conveys the weight of responsibility and the consequences of the singer's choices, as they grapple with the reality that their journey may impact others profoundly.

In the subsequent stanza, Wilson explores the concept of legacy and the intertwining of time. The "daze" of realizing dreams mixes the thrill of achievement with the ghosts of history, indicating that the singer's journey marks a significant crossroads where the past directly informs the future. "Encircled by the flames" symbolizes not only triumph but also danger, suggesting the intensity of their experiences has forged a character that draws fear and respect. The shifting relationships, evident in "friends turned to creatures," speaks to the transformative power of ambition or chaos; those once close now embody something else, suggesting a loss or betrayal. The juxtaposition of "atoms turned to darkness" implies a retreat into despair or insignificance, echoing themes of alienation or existential dread.

Ultimately, the closing lines poignantly encapsulate both loss and longing. The dream of a "world that I'd call home" reveals a desire for belonging that contrasts sharply with the singer's current isolation. This sense of being "cast out all alone" suggests an intimate connection between creation and solitude; the burden of their unique journey leads to isolation rather than community. The dreamlike quality of "dreaming dancers" signifies a longing for joy, freedom, or a more profound connection with life—a search for belonging that remains just out of reach. This thematic culmination, where the desire for connection clashes with the harsh realities of their experiences, invokes a deep empathy, illustrating the complexity of pursuing one's destiny while grappling with the emotional toll of such a journey.

This is the moment I will always see
I have reached a pivotal point in my life that will remain vivid in my memory forever.

This is the moment I will always be
I am fully present in this significant experience, embodying all that it represents.

Spiralling dunes
The shifting and chaotic nature of life is reflected in the image of ever-changing sand dunes.

And the stone's broken gift
The harsh realities of life have given me bittersweet lessons, symbolized by a fractured stone.

My eyes start stinging
I feel overwhelming emotions that cause me physical discomfort, hinting at my struggles.

And my soul starts to drift
I sense a disconnection from my true self, as if my essence is slowly floating away.

I see it forever
I possess a vision or understanding that feels eternal and unchanging.

I see it in the stars
My aspirations seem written in the cosmos, suggesting a fated path ahead.

I see the burning night sky
I observe the powerful, passionate beauty of the universe at its most intense moments.

The destiny that's ours
I recognize a shared fate that binds us together, filled with potential and purpose.

The fate I'm never changing
I accept that certain outcomes in my life are fixed and unavoidable.

With blood spilled on the sand
Sacrifices have been made along my journey, marking the struggles and conflicts endured.

The fate left ever reaching
The future continues to extend before me, full of possibilities yet to be realized.

The lives left in my hand
I carry the weight of the lives and choices that affect not only me but those around me.

The daze, the legends, coming true at last
I find myself in a state of bewilderment as the grand stories of life begin to unfold.

The melding of the future with the distant past
I perceive how my present is shaped by both my anticipated outcomes and historical events.

They'll speak of me now
My actions and existence will become the subject of discussion and reverence by others.

Encircled by the flames
I am surrounded by intensity and passion, which hints at both danger and enthusiasm.

They will cower at my voices
My words will carry weight and power, instilling fear or respect in those who hear them.

They will tremble at my names
My identity will evoke strong reactions, embodying a legacy that commands attention.

Friends turned to creatures
Those I once trusted have transformed in ways that feel alien or monstrous to me.

Swallowed by the myth
They have been consumed by the narratives and legends that overshadow their true selves.

Atoms turned to darkness
The essence of life has degraded into despair, illustrating a profound loss of hope.

Resting in my fist
I now hold the remnants of that darkness, suggesting both power and responsibility.

I spoke of dreaming dancers
I have envisioned vibrant life and art, symbolizing my creative aspirations and desires.

And a world that I'd call home
I long for a place where I feel a sense of belonging and comfort amidst chaos.

I lost the sight I wanted
I have become disconnected from my dreams and the clarity I once held.

I'm cast out all alone
I find myself isolated, a solitary figure amidst the turmoil of my experiences.