“Speak” speaks of honesty and avoiding manipulation. Instead of railing against God on this disc, the band looks to heaven for answers. “Livin’ in Sin” regrets a cycle of brokenness (“Can’t seem to break this trend … God, help me now”). “Shine Down” says, “I still believe in immortal love/I know there’s someone above/Show me a path to find my way and give me a reason to pray.” “Temptation” is a lament similar to Paul’s frustration with the flesh in Romans 7:15-19, however …
That song opens with a defeated “Aw, s—.” A plea for “Mama” to save the singer from ruin includes the line, “Why did you let me grow up so g–d–n fast?” Frontman Sully Erna (a self-proclaimed Wiccan) mentions mysticism “rich with desire” (“Voodoo Too”). On “The Enemy” he blasts a rival, calling him a “back-stabbin’ son of a b–ch.” The back cover contains a questionable gesture.
Once again, Godsmack growls cryptically about anguish, emptiness and pain. But instead of shaking a fist at the Lord on IV, they recognize dark personal hang-ups and reach out for help—even looking up at times. Profanity is the biggest spoiler here. Pray that Erna & Co. find the spiritual peace they seem to be searching for.
