Song meaning of The Old Therebefore / Singing at Snakes (From The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes) by Rachel Zegler & James Newton Howard

"The Old Therebefore / Singing at Snakes" is a hauntingly beautiful song from The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, performed by Rachel Zegler and composed by James Newton Howard. The lyrics delve into the internal struggle of the protagonist, who finds themselves torn between the present and the future.

The song begins with Zegler's ethereal voice, as she sings about being on the verge of entering the afterlife, symbolized by "Heaven" and the "sweet old hereafter." However, before she can fully embrace this transition, she acknowledges that there are loose ends to tie up in the "old therebefore." This suggests that the protagonist still has unfinished business or unresolved emotions that need to be addressed before moving on.

In the first verse, Zegler's vocals are accompanied by Tom Blyth and Max Raphael, creating a haunting harmony. She mentions Doctor Gaul, a character from The Hunger Games series, and expresses a desire to finish her song before joining the afterlife. The protagonist wonders why her enemies are not attacking her, possibly implying that her music has a calming effect on them. This notion of using music as a powerful force is further emphasized in the line, "Must be the singing, it's calming them."

Moving into the second verse, Zegler's voice takes center stage once again. She sings about emptying her cup, wearing out her friends, and burning out both ends. These lines suggest a sense of exhaustion and the need to let go of certain relationships or burdens before moving forward. The protagonist also mentions conquering fears and shedding tears, implying a process of personal growth and emotional healing.

As the song progresses, Zegler's vocals become more emotive, conveying a sense of vulnerability and weariness. She talks about bringing news once she has danced off her shoes, indicating a desire to experience freedom and release from the constraints of her current existence. The lyrics also touch upon the idea of being flat on the floor, symbolizing a state of complete surrender and vulnerability.

The song concludes with Zegler's voice soaring, as she sings about becoming pure like a dove and learning how to love. This suggests that the protagonist seeks a state of purity and emotional fulfillment before embracing the afterlife. The final line, "When nothing is left anymore," encapsulates the protagonist's journey of letting go, healing, and finding inner peace.

Overall, "The Old Therebefore / Singing at Snakes" is a poignant and introspective song that explores themes of closure, personal growth, and the power of music. Through its haunting melody and evocative lyrics, the song captures the emotional depth of the protagonist's journey in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.