The Meaning Behind The Song: I Of The Storm by Of Monsters and Men
| Title | Artist | Writer/Composer | Album | Release Date | Genre | Duration | Producer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I Of The Storm | Of Monsters and Men | Nanna (ISL), Ragnar Þórhallsson, Arnar Rósenkranz Hilmarsson | Beneath the Skin | April 28, 2015 | Alternative Rock, Folk Rock | N/A | Of Monsters and Men, Rich Costey |
The Lyrics and Additional Information
“I of the Storm” compares unrelenting fear and doubt to the bitter chill of an Iceland winter storm. The song, released as the second single from Of Monsters and Men’s 2015 album, Beneath the Skin, delves into the existential question of whether love persists beyond one’s physical existence.
The song opens with the haunting vocals of Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir, singing “If I could face them, if I could make amends, with all my shadows, I’d bow my head and welcome them.” These lyrics express a desire to confront and reconcile with one’s inner demons and flaws, suggesting a readiness to embrace vulnerability and self-reflection.
However, the lyrics also reveal a fear of rejection and abandonment, as Nanna laments, “Are you really gonna love me when I’m gone? I fear you won’t, I fear you don’t.” This fear of being unloved mirrors the biting cold of an Icelandic winter and creates a sense of emotional isolation.
The chorus amplifies these emotions, with Nanna confessing, “And they call me under, and I’m shaking like a leaf. And they call me under, and I wither underneath in this storm.” The metaphorical storm represents the turmoil and uncertainty that often accompanies relationships and the fear of being forgotten or disregarded.
The second verse continues to delve into feelings of alienation and the fear of not being needed once gone, with Nanna singing, “I am a stranger, I am an alien, inside a structure. Are you really gonna love me when I’m gone? With all my thoughts and all my faults.” These lyrics convey a sense of disconnect and a fear of not being fully understood or accepted.
In the bridge, Nanna and Ragnar Þórhallsson sing, “And it echoes when I breathe, until all you see is my ghost. Empty vessel, crooked teeth, wish you could see.” This imagery further emphasizes the fear of being forgotten or reduced to a mere shadow of oneself.
The song concludes with a repetition of the chorus, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of the storm and its impact on the protagonist’s sense of self. The storm becomes a metaphor for the internal struggles and insecurities that can plague individuals’ relationships and self-perception.
Personal Reflection
“I of the Storm” is a song that resonates deeply with me. Its introspective lyrics and haunting melodies create a sense of emotional vulnerability and authenticity. The themes of fear, doubt, and the desire for love and acceptance are universal experiences that I believe many people can relate to.
Like the protagonist in the song, I have often grappled with feelings of self-doubt and the fear of not being loved or accepted for who I am. The metaphor of the storm captures the intensity and turmoil of these emotions, and the rawness of the lyrics allows for a cathartic release.
As I listen to the ethereal vocals and introspective lyrics, I am reminded of the power of music to convey complex emotions and provide solace in times of turmoil. “I of the Storm” serves as a reminder that it is okay to embrace vulnerability and confront our inner demons, as it is through these experiences that we can find healing and growth.
Overall, “I of the Storm” is a poignant and introspective song that delves into the complexities of human emotions and the universal longing for love and acceptance. Through its haunting melodies and raw lyrics, it invites listeners to reflect on their own fears and doubts and find solace in the shared experience of being human.
