Leading you down into my core where I've become so numb
Without a soul my spirit's sleeping somewhere cold
Until you find it there and lead it back home
(Wake me up)
Wake me up inside
(I can't wake up)
Wake me up inside
(Save me)
Call my name and save me from the dark
(Wake me up)
Bid my blood to run
(I can't wake up)
Before I come undone
(Save me)
Save me from the nothing I've become
Now that I know what I'm without
You can't just leave me
Breathe into me and make me real
Bring me to life
(Wake me up)
Wake me up inside
(I can't wake up)
Wake me up inside
(Save me)
Call my name and save me from the dark
(Wake me up)
Bid my blood to run
(I can't wake up)
Before I come undone
(Save me)
Save me from the nothing I've become
Bring me to life
(I've been living a lie, there's nothing inside)
Bring me to life
Frozen inside without your touch
Without your love, darling
Only you are the life among the dead
All this time I can't believe I couldn't see
Kept in the dark but you were there in front of me
I've been sleeping a thousand years it seems
Got to open my eyes to everything
Without a thought, without a voice, without a soul
Don't let me die here
There must be something more
Bring me to life
(Wake me up)
Wake me up inside
(I can't wake up)
Wake me up inside
(Save me)
Call my name and save me from the dark
(Wake me up)
Bid my blood to run
(I can't wake up)
Before I come undone
(Save me)
Save me from the nothing I've become
Bring me to life
(I've been living a lie, there's nothing inside)
Bring me to life
Bring Me to Life – Evanescence: Lyrics Analysis & Meaning
Artist: Evanescence | Album: Fallen (2003) | Genre: Gothic rock / Alternative metal
Overview
"Bring Me to Life" is the breakout single from Evanescence’s debut album Fallen, released in 2003. Featuring lead vocals by Amy Lee and additional male vocals for dynamic contrast, the track combines gothic piano melodies with hard rock instrumentation. The song became an international hit, widely credited with defining the band's signature style of blending emotional intensity with alternative metal elements.
Song Credits
- Writers: Amy Lee, Ben Moody, David Hodges
- Producer: Dave Fortman
- Label: Wind-up Records
- Guest Vocals: Male vocal contributions (Paul McCoy of 12 Stones)
Themes & Meaning
At its core, "Bring Me to Life" explores emotional numbness and the desperate desire for awakening. The narrator expresses feelings of emptiness, disconnection, and inner paralysis. The recurring motif of "wake me up" symbolizes both an external call for help and an internal struggle for revival. This duality is central to the song’s emotional power.
The lyrics also highlight self-realization and recognition of what the narrator lacks in life. Through imagery of coldness and dormancy, the song portrays a journey from isolation toward renewal and self-awareness. The presence of another figure (or an inner awakening) serves as the catalyst for emotional revival.
Musical Style & Structure
Musically, the track is a combination of gothic rock and alternative metal. The song alternates between vulnerable piano-driven verses and explosive, guitar-heavy choruses. This contrast mirrors the lyrical themes of darkness and awakening. The dual vocal approach amplifies tension, creating a sense of dramatic storytelling common in symphonic and gothic metal.
Cultural Impact
"Bring Me to Life" launched Evanescence into mainstream popularity, earning multiple award nominations and becoming a defining anthem of early 2000s alternative rock. Its success influenced a generation of gothic and alternative metal artists. The song also appeared in the 2003 movie Daredevil, broadening its exposure to international audiences.
The combination of dramatic vocals, orchestral arrangements, and heavy guitars created a blueprint for emotionally driven rock music, inspiring countless covers, live performances, and fan interpretations worldwide.
Lyrics Analysis
The song’s lyrics convey a journey from emotional paralysis to personal awakening. The verses describe internal emptiness and numbness, while the chorus functions as a plea for revival. The bridge intensifies the vulnerability, emphasizing the importance of human connection in achieving emotional restoration.
Themes of light versus darkness, dependence versus self-realization, and vulnerability versus strength are woven throughout, making the song resonate on both a personal and musical level. The careful alignment of lyrical content with musical dynamics exemplifies the band’s signature emotional storytelling.
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