“Flesh and the Power It Holds” by Death is one of the more known songs from their last album.
The “Flesh” here is a metaphor for a hedonistic lifestyle; especially of lust and/or greed in this case. The lyrics shed further light on how it can destroy someone who only lives for the flesh.
[Instrumental Intro]
[Verse 1]
I told you once but I will say it again
When you live the flesh, it's the beginning of the end
[Refrain]
It will take you in, it will spit you out
Behold the flesh and the power it holds
[Verse 2]
Passion is a poison laced with pleasure bitter-sweet
One of many faces that hides deep beneath
[Refrain]
It will take you in and it will spit you out
Behold the flesh and the power it holds
[Pre-Chorus]
Touch, taste, breathe, consumed
[Chorus]
Deja-vu, already knew from the first encounter
But now I know to let go of words to speak no more
Like a wind upon your face you can't see it but you know it's there
When beauty shows its ugly face just be prepared
[Interlude]
[Guitar Solo: Chuck Schuldiner]
[Verse 3]
Passion burns like fire carried by the wind
The end of a time, a time to begin
[Refrain]
It will take you in, it will spit you out
Behold the flesh and the power it holds
[Verse 4]
It builds you up one way, and tears you right back down
A time to begin, the end of a time
[Refrain]
It will take you in, it will spit you out
Behold the flesh and the power it holds
[Pre-Chorus]
Touch, taste, breathe, consumed
[Chorus]
Deja-vu, already knew from the first encounter
But now I know to let go of words to speak no more
Like a wind upon your face you can't see it but you know it's there
When beauty shows its ugly face just be prepared
Flesh and the Power It Holds was written by Chuck Schuldiner.
Flesh and the Power It Holds was produced by Jim Morris & Chuck Schuldiner.
Death released Flesh and the Power It Holds on Mon Aug 31 1998.