Avenged Sevenfold

Lyrics

[Intro]
Staring at the carnage, praying that the sun would never rise
Living another day in disguise
These feelings can't be right, lend me your courage to stand up and fight, on tonight
Stand up and fight

[Verse 1]
The fighting rages on and on, to challenge me you must be strong
I walk your land but don't belong, two million soldiers can't be wrong
It's no fun but I've been here before
I'm far from home and I'm fighting your war
(Not the way I pictured this, I wanted better things)
Some are scared others killing for fun, I shot a mother right in front of her son
(Take this from my consciousness, and please erase my dreams)

[Chorus]
Fight for honor, fight for your life
Pray to God that our side is right
And though we won, I still may lose
Until I make it home to you
I see our mothers filled with tears
Grew up so fast where did those years go?
Memories won't let you cry
Unless I don't return tonight

[Verse 2]
So many soldiers on the other side, I take their lives so they can't take mine
(Scared to make it out alive now murder's all I know)
Nobody tells me all the reasons we're here
I have my weapons so there's nothing to fear
(Another day, another life, but nothing real to show for)
[Chorus]
Fight for honor, fight for your life
Pray to God that our side is right
And though we won, I still may lose
Until I make it home to you
I see our mothers filled with tears
Grew up so fast where did those years go?
Memories won't let you cry
Unless I don't return tonight

[Bridge]
Staring at the carnage, praying that the sun would never rise
Living another day in disguise
These feelings can't be right, lend me your courage to stand up and fight

[Verse 3]
Watching the death toll rise wondering how I'm alive
Stranger's blood on my hands, shot all I can
There are no silent nights, watching your brothers all die
To destroy all their plans with no thought of me
(No thought of me, no thought of me)

[Outro]
Walk the city lonely
Memories that haunt are passing by
A murderer walks your streets tonight
Forgive me for my crimes, don't forget that I was so young
Fought so scared in the name of God and country

Are you ready to experience the raw power and emotion of Avenged Sevenfold's legendary track, "M.I.A."? Strap yourself in because this song is about to take you on an unforgettable journey through the harsh realities of war, specifically the conflict in Iraq. With over two decades of music expertise under our belts, we're here to break down every intricate detail of this masterpiece and provide you with a one-of-a-kind description that will leave you craving for more.

About M.I.A.

Avenged Sevenfold, known for their incredible blend of metal, rock, and heartfelt lyrics, have crafted a tune that dives deep into the effects of warfare on soldiers fighting in Iraq. Released as part of their critically acclaimed album "City of Evil," "M.I.A." stands for "Missing in Action." Delivered with unrelenting passion, this song serves as a powerful testament to the everyday struggles faced by those who fight for their country.

Lead vocalist M.Shadows himself has shed light on the inspiration behind this track, emphasizing that while Avenged Sevenfold is not a political band, they felt compelled to address the truth of what was happening to their fans and friends involved in the war. Their aim was not to take sides but rather to shed light on the reality and honor those who dedicated their lives to serve.

The song kicks off with frenetic guitar riffs and thunderous drums, immediately grabbing your attention and setting a high-energy tone for what's to come. As the verses unfold, M. Shadows' signature vocal style combines aggression and vulnerability, emphasizing the raw emotions tied to the chaos of war. The chorus erupts with anthemic power, as the lyrics reflect the desperation and longing felt by the soldiers separated from their loved ones.

Avenged Sevenfold's musical prowess shines through as they seamlessly transition between blistering guitar solos and melodic interludes. Each instrument plays a significant role in capturing the mood of the song, from the haunting melodies of the keyboards to the thunderous bass lines that drive the relentless rhythm.

Lyrically, "M.I.A." paints a vivid picture of the internal struggles faced by soldiers on the frontlines. Lines like "Bottom line, we're meant to be" and "Empty chairs at empty tables" encapsulate the feeling of loss and sacrifice that permeates throughout. Avenged Sevenfold masterfully conveys the dichotomy of bravery and vulnerability in the face of war, urging listeners to contemplate the true cost of combat.

Furthermore, the music video adds another layer to the song's storytelling. As we delve into the visual representation of "M.I.A.," we witness the juxtaposition of gritty war scenes with personal moments of connection and longing. Avenged Sevenfold expertly capture the dichotomy of war, highlighting both its destructive nature and the humanity that remains amidst the chaos.

With "M.I.A.," Avenged Sevenfold not only crafted a hard-hitting song, but they also provided a platform for listeners to reflect on the experiences and sacrifices of soldiers on the frontlines. It serves as a stark reminder of the true cost of war and the resilience of the human spirit.

So, whether you're a fan of headbanging metal or someone who appreciates the power of vivid storytelling through music, "M.I.A." is a must-listen. Avenged Sevenfold has once again proven their incredible talent for merging emotional depth with high-octane energy, creating a sonic experience that will leave you wanting more.

Experience the intensity of "M.I.A." and join Avenged Sevenfold on a journey through the chaos, the sacrifice, and the unwavering spirit of those "Missing in Action."

• Release Date: June 7, 2005
• Artist: Avenged Sevenfold