Shinto ("the way of the gods") is the indigenous faith of the Japanese people and as old as Japan itself. It remains Japan's major religion alongside Buddhism.
Among the writings in the Kojiki or 'Records of Ancient Matters' (712 CE), there is a story of the creation of man. Izanagi (a female god) and Izanami (a male god) were told to create life on earth by the deities above them. Izanagi went first and created many landmasses with life but they were seen to be "bad". After creating multiple landmasses full of "bad" life, Izanagi asked the deities above why the life she is creating is "bad". The deities informed her it was because she went first when the male god Izanami should have gone first. At this point, Izanami created one landmass ripe with "Good" life which ended up being Japan.
Once completed, the deities said Izanagi must die for her insolence and arrogance. After dying, Izanagi descends to what the translation refers to as Hades. Izanami, missing her, heads there in an attempt to save her. Upon arriving at Hades, he calls out to her, saying that they have not yet finished creating and that she must return with him. She responds, saying that she has already entered into death and must attempt to negotiate her way out with the deities of Hades. She also adds that Izanami must not follow her, nor look at her, as she does this. Naturally, as in almost all stories, Izanami ignores this order and follows her.
At this point, an interesting change is revealed in Izanagi. Izanami lights a piece of his comb as a torch and looks for her, only to find that she was rotting and that she had split into several other kami. She yells at him for following her and chases after him, as he attempts to run out of Hades. After Izanami barely escapes, he blocks the way out with a massive boulder. Izanagi says that she will kill one thousand people per day in retaliation. Izanami responds, saying that if she does, he will ensure that at least one thousand people will be born each day.
The part of the story I chose to focus on was the fact that Izanagi said not to follow her into Hades. I pondered this because it stands to reason that she didn't want him to die as well. I then imagined that if I were dying, would I ask the same of my kids? This is what the song is about.
lyrics
V1
I would never shed regret for the things I've done
Only for missed moments that have come and gone
It takes everything you have to give
Just to keep the life you live
-----------------
Born are the mistakes we make in
ignorance
Don't fall into the trap of what they label
bliss
Keep your mind as sharp as a blade
Remember who you are, remember your name
Bridge
These walls, break down
This pain will drown
Chorus
Lay your expectations to waste
And see what you have to embrace
Time will change, what you see
Heed my words, Don't follow me
We all go, in due time
So give rest, to your mind
Live a life that's meant to be
I am gone, Don't follow me
Don't follow me
V2
Life is taken for granted until death comes
You begin to question where the time has gone
Remnant memories, they bleed through
Echoes of the past will haunt you
Age is not, to be feared with no time to
spend
It should be welcomed like a faithful
friend
Cherish every second, you don't have long
Time makes a habit, of stealing your dawn
Bridge 2
Dark clouds bring rain
Fear not, Old Age
Final
Life and death is all the same
Everyone has felt the pain
Of the loss, and divide
The torment that you feel inside
Don't repeat, my mistakes
Living life, in debt to fate
You deserve what you receive
I ask you now, Don't follow me
INTRODUCTION:
"Unto the Wolves" is an online Metal project with one goal in mind, to inspire tolerance and acceptance of all races, religious beliefs, and cultures.
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