Ghost De Profundis Borealis Meaning and Review

Introduction to "De Profundis Borealis"

"De Profundis Borealis" by Ghost, from their album Skeletá, is a song that combines the atmospheric with the visceral. It begins with a haunting, celestial piano melody that sets a melancholic yet ethereal tone. The soft, almost reverent quality of the piano is soon interrupted by a sharp, powerful guitar riff that transitions into classic metal territory, showcasing the band’s ability to meld different styles seamlessly. The arrangement allows for a brief moment of breathing space before the intense chugging guitar takes over, leading to a whispered vocal delivery by Tobias Forge. This shift to a cleaner vocal tone creates a stark contrast, drawing listeners deeper into the emotional landscape of the track.

Lyrical Depth and Imagery

Lyrically, "De Profundis Borealis" is a deeply introspective piece, with its title rooted in Latin and referencing a letter by Oscar Wilde. The song's themes of suffering and longing are encapsulated in the powerful imagery of the "palace built of frozen tears," a metaphor for emotional isolation and internal conflict. Forge’s voice, both haunting and commanding, conveys the tension of a soul caught between despair and the hope for release. The lyrics themselves are filled with reflections on unresolved pain, from the things "that never gave you peace" to the words that "couldn't mend your heart." Each line seems to pull the listener further into the emotional depths of the song.

The Chorus and Emotional Arc

The chorus is a standout moment, capturing the cyclical nature of grief and the fleeting nature of emotional pain. "Every time you feel the wind blow / And a glow within you dies" evokes a visceral sense of hopelessness, only to be countered by the suggestion of renewal: "When tomorrow comes, you will know / That the morning thaws the ice." This delicate interplay between despair and hope adds a layer of complexity to the song, making it not just an exploration of darkness, but also of the possibility of healing. The contrast between the harsh, cold imagery and the warmth of a new day provides an emotional arc that resonates deeply.

Musical Performance and Production

Musically, Ghost delivers a powerful performance with "De Profundis Borealis." The guitar work is exceptional, with the heavy riffs and subtle melodies complementing the song's emotional weight. The band’s instrumental choices allow for moments of grandeur and intimacy, creating a dynamic and immersive listening experience. The production is lush and detailed, ensuring that every instrument is given its due space, while the atmospheric touches heighten the song's overall sense of gravitas. The balance between orchestral elements, metal riffs, and Forge’s evocative vocals ensures that the track never loses momentum, despite its introspective nature.

Ghost De Profundis Borealis Review 

 "De Profundis Borealis" is a masterful piece of songwriting from Ghost. It combines rich lyrical content, intricate instrumentation, and an emotional depth that draws from both personal suffering and universal themes. The track’s delicate balance between heaviness and vulnerability is a testament to the band’s ability to craft songs that are both musically complex and emotionally resonant. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the band, "De Profundis Borealis" showcases Ghost at their finest—merging metal with introspective storytelling in a way that feels both timeless and deeply human.

Listen to Ghost De Profundis Borealis

Ghost De Profundis Borealis Lyrics Meaning Explained 

The meaning of De Profundis Borealis by Ghost is deeply rooted in themes of emotional suffering, isolation, and the longing for redemption. The title itself, translated as “From the Northern Abyss,” evokes a sense of being trapped in a cold, desolate place, both physically and emotionally. The song speaks to the internal struggle of facing unresolved pain, the weight of repressed emotions, and the difficulty of breaking free from the emotional prisons that one builds around themselves. However, within this darkness, there lies a subtle hope for renewal, symbolized by the recurring image of thawing ice and the promise of a new beginning with the arrival of morning. Through its haunting melodies and introspective lyrics, De Profundis Borealis explores the complex journey of confronting one’s inner demons and the potential for healing that comes with time and self-reflection.

Verse 1: Letting Go and Struggling with the Past

“All the things that never gave you peace / Throwing those, but keeping these / All the rights that didn’t undo wrongs / Put it back where it belongs”

This opening verse speaks to a process of letting go and attempting to find peace. “All the things that never gave you peace” suggests that the person is trying to release the sources of their inner turmoil, yet “keeping these” indicates they still hold onto certain emotions, memories, or objects—perhaps ones that provide some form of comfort despite their pain. The line “All the rights that didn’t undo wrongs” reflects the frustration of trying to right past wrongs, only to find that no matter how much effort is put in, the damage remains. The instruction to “put it back where it belongs” may suggest an attempt to reframe or accept these past events, placing them back in a mental space where they can be processed and dealt with more constructively.

Pre-Chorus: Emotional Prison and Hidden Secrets

“In a palace built of frozen tears / All life is gone / But between the walls of whispering frost / Secrets live on”

This pre-chorus vividly portrays a person trapped in their own emotional state, symbolized by a “palace built of frozen tears.” This is an emotional prison formed from past pain and suffering, where “frozen tears” represent emotions that have been repressed or ignored over time, leaving the person numb and isolated. The line “All life is gone” suggests that the individual feels emotionally dead or disconnected, yet within this cold, desolate palace, “secrets live on.” The idea of secrets suggests that unresolved issues or hidden emotions continue to linger, affecting the person’s life even though they try to bury them.

Chorus: The Cycle of Pain and Healing

“Every time you feel the wind blow / And a glow within you dies / When tomorrow comes, you will know / That the morning thaws the ice”

The chorus expresses the cyclical nature of emotional pain and healing. The wind blowing could symbolize the harshness of life or the coldness of the emotions the person feels, while “a glow within you dies” speaks to the extinguishing of hope or vitality. However, the message of renewal is carried by the latter lines: “when tomorrow comes, you will know / That the morning thaws the ice.” This indicates that even though pain and darkness feel overwhelming, there is always the potential for healing and rebirth with time. The “morning” symbolizes a new beginning or hope, and the thawing of the ice suggests that, with time, the emotional numbness or repression can fade, allowing for growth and renewal.

Verse 2: Unspoken Words and Unresolved Pain

“All the words that never came out right / Within reach, but out of sight / All the songs that couldn’t mend your heart / But slit it up and tore apart”

In this verse, the lyrics speak to a profound sense of frustration over communication and emotional expression. The “words that never came out right” represent the difficulty of articulating one’s feelings, perhaps due to fear, shame, or confusion. “Within reach, but out of sight” emphasizes the feeling of almost being able to express oneself or find the right solution, but falling short—like something just beyond one’s grasp. “All the songs that couldn’t mend your heart / But slit it up and tore apart” further explores the idea of attempts at healing (through art, words, or other means) that only seem to make things worse. The song, typically a metaphor for comfort or catharsis, has become an instrument of emotional harm rather than healing, reinforcing the pain rather than alleviating it.

Pre-Chorus (Revisited): The Prison of Frozen Tears

“See, the palace built of frozen tears / Is your own built prison / And if only love could break these chains / Life could go on”

The pre-chorus revisits the metaphor of the emotional prison, now referred to as the “own built prison,” suggesting that the person is responsible for their own suffering, even if it feels out of their control. The line “if only love could break these chains” reflects the longing for love or connection to heal or release them from their emotional captivity. This line suggests that love, or perhaps self-love, has the potential to free the person from their pain. However, the use of “if only” indicates that this escape feels elusive or unattainable, and the individual is left wondering what could have been if only they could break free from their emotional bondage.

Chorus (Revisited): Hope and Renewal

“Every time you feel the wind blow / And a glow within you dies / When tomorrow comes, you will know / That the morning thaws the ice”

The chorus repeats the message of renewal and hope, reinforcing the idea that, despite the emotional coldness and darkness, healing is possible. The repetition of these lines offers a sense of reassurance—there is always the possibility that the “morning” will come, that the ice will thaw, and the person will find the strength to move forward, even if that change is gradual and uncertain.

The Journey of Emotional Healing

The lyrics of "De Profundis Borealis" paint a poignant picture of emotional struggle, self-imprisonment, and the slow journey toward healing. The imagery of frozen tears, emotional prisons, and words left unsaid speaks to the weight of unresolved pain, while the recurring theme of thawing ice offers hope that, with time and introspection, healing is possible. Ultimately, the song suggests that the person’s emotional suffering, while profound, is not permanent—there is always the chance for renewal and growth, even after the harshest winters of the soul.

Ghost De Profundis Borealis Lyrics 

[Verse 1]

All the things that never gave you peace

Throwing those, but keeping these

All the rights that didn't undo wrongs

Put it back where it belongs

[Pre-Chorus]

In a palace built of frozen tears

All life is gone

But between the walls of whispering frost

Secrets live on

[Chorus]

Every time you feel the wind blow

And a glow within you dies

When tomorrow comes, you will know

That the morning thaws the ice

[Verse 2]

All the words that never came out right

Within reach, but out of sight

All the songs that couldn't mend your heart

But slit it up and tore apart

[Pre-Chorus]

See, the palace built of frozen tears

Is your own built prison

And if only love could break these chains

Life could go on

[Chorus]

Every time you feel the wind blow

And a glow within you dies

When tomorrow comes, you will know

That the morning thaws the ice