The song 'MANTRA' by Bring Me The Horizon is a powerful exploration of the themes of blind devotion and the comparisons between the dynamics of a cult and those found in relationships, especially marriage. The lyrics intertwine ideas of thoughtless adherence to a leader or partner, the difficulty in accepting hard truths, and the challenges in maintaining individual thinking within collective systems or emotional bonds.
'MANTRA' plunges us into an emotional journey filled with skepticism, entrapment, and the struggle between belief and reason. As we traverse through the lyrics, the opening verse captures our attention with the provocative proposition, 'Do you wanna start a cult with me?' Immediately, vocalist Oli Sykes juxtaposes the idea of a cult with the decision of binding oneself in matrimony, presenting both as platforms for unquestioned commitment and loyalty, possibly ignoring one's better judgment or self-preservation instincts.
The repeated chorus, 'Before the truth will set you free, it'll piss you off,' serves as a thunderbolt, striking us with a hard-hitting reality that acknowledging the truth often comes at the cost of discomfort and inner turmoil. It jolts the listener into considering how we might often be in denial of the evident facts staring back at us, simply because they unsettle the very foundations of our beliefs or relationships.
The second verse lures us into a sense of serenity with the imagery of a beach before twisting into the anxiety of sinking into the sands of time and manipulation. It's a call to critically analyze those whom we allow to shape our thoughts and lives, be it charismatic leaders or emotionally abusive partners. The gripping sense of urgency in Oli's voice beckons us to wake up from our passive acquiescence.
The bridge offers a faux solace as it gently asks for faith while simultaneously questioning its own intentions. It's a poignant reflection on the ease with which we can succumb to the appeal of authoritative voices or reassuring lies, rather than shouldering the weight of our personal convictions. This emotional rollercoaster culminates in a realization that too often in life, as in the song, we fall into the trap of chanting the 'same old mantra' without questioning its origin or meaning.
"'Before the truth will set you free, it'll piss you off'"
This quote reflects the discomfort that often precedes the acceptance of difficult realities, be it in breaking free from a cult's influence or confronting problems in a personal relationship.
"'Do you wanna start a cult with me?'"
This line serves as an allegory for the beginning of a relationship, comparing the act of fully committing to someone with the blind devotion seen in cults.
"'All you ever do is chant the same old mantra'"
This line criticizes the repetitiveness of blindly followed beliefs or phrases without understanding or meaning, as well as the habitual behaviors that can arise in relationships.
"'Could I have your attention, please? It's time to tap into your tragedy'"
This could be seen as the charismatic call of a cult leader or someone in a relationship seeking to dominate by exploiting vulnerabilities.