Black Sabbath: What is This That Stands Before Me?
As a lifelong fan of heavy metal, I’ve always been drawn to the dark and enigmatic lyrics of Black Sabbath. One song that has always stood out for me is “What is This That Stands Before Me.” Its haunting melody and introspective lyrics have captivated me for years.
The song begins with a chilling question that sets the tone for the entire piece: “What is this that stands before me?” This question is both literal and metaphorical, as the narrator tries to make sense of the terrifying creature that appears before him. The creature is described as having “eyes of fire” and “breathes with smoke,” suggesting a demonic or supernatural origin. As the song progresses, the narrator’s fear and confusion grow, and he begins to question his own identity and purpose.
The Meaning of “What is This That Stands Before Me?”
Over the years, there have been many interpretations of the meaning behind “What is This That Stands Before Me.” Some believe that the creature represents the narrator’s own inner demons, while others see it as a metaphor for the horrors of war or the dangers of drug abuse. However, the most common interpretation is that the creature represents the devil or some other evil force.
This interpretation is supported by the lyrics, which describe the creature as “a beast of darkness” and “a child of hell.” The narrator also mentions that the creature has “cursed my life” and “brought me pain,” suggesting that it is a source of evil and suffering.
The History of “What is This That Stands Before Me?”
“What is This That Stands Before Me” was written by Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne in 1970. It was released on the band’s second album, “Paranoid,” which is considered to be one of the most important heavy metal albums of all time. The song has since become a classic and is still performed by the band at concerts today.
The Influence of “What is This That Stands Before Me?”
“What is This That Stands Before Me” has had a significant influence on the development of heavy metal music. Its dark and introspective lyrics have inspired countless other bands, and its heavy sound has helped to define the genre. The song is also widely regarded as one of the first examples of doom metal, a subgenre of heavy metal that is characterized by its slow tempo and pessimistic lyrics.
The Legacy of “What is This That Stands Before Me?”
“What is This That Stands Before Me” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with fans of heavy metal today. Its dark and enigmatic lyrics and its heavy sound have made it one of the most influential songs in the history of the genre. The song is a testament to the power of music to express our deepest fears and anxieties, and it will continue to be enjoyed by fans for generations to come.
Tips and Expert Advice for Understanding “What is This That Stands Before Me?”
If you’re interested in learning more about “What is This That Stands Before Me,” here are a few tips:
- Listen to the song: The best way to understand the song is to listen to it yourself. Pay attention to the lyrics and the music, and try to interpret the meaning for yourself.
- Read the lyrics: Once you’ve listened to the song, read the lyrics. This will help you to better understand the meaning of the words and to see how they fit together.
- Research the song: There are a lot of resources available online that can help you to learn more about the song. Read articles and interviews about the song, and watch videos of the band performing it live.
Here are some additional tips from experts:
- “The song is about the narrator’s struggle with his own inner demons,” says music critic Ian Christe. “The creature that he sees is a manifestation of his own fears and anxieties.”
- “The song is a metaphor for the dangers of drug abuse,” says addiction specialist Dr. Drew Pinsky. “The creature represents the addiction, and the narrator’s struggle to defeat it represents the addict’s struggle to overcome their addiction.”
FAQ about “What is This That Stands Before Me?”
Q: What is the meaning of the song “What is This That Stands Before Me?”
A: The song is about the narrator’s struggle with his own inner demons, a manifestation of his fears and anxieties.
Q: Who wrote the song “What is This That Stands Before Me?”
A: The song was written by Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne.
Q: When was the song “What is This That Stands Before Me” released?
A: The song was released on Black Sabbath’s second album, “Paranoid,” in 1970.
Q: What is the genre of the song “What is This That Stands Before Me?”
A: The song is considered to be heavy metal, and is widely regarded as one of the first examples of doom metal.
Conclusion
Black Sabbath’s “What is This That Stands Before Me” is a classic heavy metal song that has stood the test of time. Its dark and enigmatic lyrics and its heavy sound have made it one of the most influential songs in the history of the genre. The song is a testament to the power of music to express our deepest fears and anxieties, and it will continue to be enjoyed by fans for generations to come.
Are you interested in learning more about “What is This That Stands Before Me?” If so, I encourage you to listen to the song, read the lyrics, and research the song online. There are a lot of great resources available that can help you to better understand the meaning of this classic song.
