Almost Easy is a heavy metal song by American band, Avenged Sevenfold. It served as the second single from the band’s eponymous album released in 2007. The song was a moderate hit, topping the UK Rock Chart and appearing on the number 67 position on the UK Singles Chart.
Interestingly, the song was supposed to appear on the official soundtrack of the 2007 movie, Transformers. Unfortunately it did not work out. Another window opened for the song and it ended up featuring on the 2007 hit racing game Need for Speed: ProStreet.
On first hearing the song, Synyster Gates (who is the lead guitarist and background vocalist of Avenged Sevenfold) did not like it at all. He deemed it too cheesy and refused to play it. But after practicing a few times he eventually gave into the aggressive edge of the song.
Before exploring the Almost Easy lyrics meaning, you should know the intent behind its title.
Title – What does it mean?
The subject matter of the song revolves around redemption and forgiveness. When you make a massive blunder which ends up hurting people, forgiveness seems impossible. Yet some kind people manage to move on and give you a second chance. There are a few who appear to have forgiven you. Deep down inside, however, they have stopped trusting you. For such people forgiveness is not simple, but it is “Almost Easy”.
Now that the title of the song has been explained, it is time to understand the Almost Easy lyrics meaning.
Verse 1 – What does it mean?
I feel insane every single time I’m asked to compromise
‘Cause I’m afraid and stuck in my ways
These lines reflect the mental state of the narrator who is prone to cheating and making mistakes. He is so accustomed to committing blunders that doing the right thing feels like a “compromise” to him. In his heart though he knows that he is wrong and should improve himself.
But it has now become a habit, ingrained deeply in his mind. He is “stuck in my ways”. Overcoming bad habits is easier said than done. It can take months to change one’s perspective and lifestyle. Does the narrator have the strength and courage to make amends?
And that’s the way it stays
So how long did I expect love to outweigh ignorance?
By that look on your face, I may have forced the scale to tip
It seems that the narrator’s lover has been living in “ignorance” all along. Or, she knows about his infidelity and has confronted him for it. Perhaps the narrator keeps making excuses and begs for second chances. Due to the love she has for him, the lover keeps forgiving him. But love cannot “outweigh ignorance” forever.
The lover has had enough. The “look” on her “face” is that of regret, anger and hurt. She may not forgive him this time. The narrator has finally crossed the line and “forced the scale to tip”. This could be the end of their relationship.
Pre-Chorus – What does it mean?
I’m not insane, I’m not insane
I’m not insane, I’m not, not insane
The narrator is deeply conflicted inside. He feels helpless and unloved. Maybe he has tried to remain faithful to his lover but fails to keep himself under control. His lover has had it with him and is probably threatening to leave.
To cope with the regret and frustration the narrator is trying to talk some sense into himself. He keeps repeating to himself that he is “not insane”. This could be a way to motivate himself into changing his ways and becoming a better person.
The pre-chorus reflects the true pain hidden in the Almost Easy lyrics meaning.
Chorus – What does it mean?
(Mother) Come back to me, it’s almost easy
(Said it all) Come back again, it’s almost easy
The chorus hints at the reasons why the narrator cannot remain faithful. He is most probably suffering from abandonment issues. Perhaps his mother left him when he was a child. This has left him conflicted. On one hand he is mad at her for leaving him. He may never forgive her for what she did. On the other hand he deeply misses her. She left a hole in his heart which he fails to fill, again and again.
Verse 2 – What does it mean?
Shame pulses through my heart from the things I’ve done to you
It’s hard to face, but the fact remains that this is nothing new
Although his mother left him, the narrator realizes that he doesn’t need to treat others the same way. But he is helpless and feels the “shame” of hurting his lover time and again. He was forgiven many times before, but now the lover may decide to move on. The narrator knows in his heart that he deserves this punishment.
I left you bound and tied with suicidal memories
Selfish beneath the skin, but deep inside, I’m not insane
It breaks his heart to realize that he is treating his lover just the way his mother treated him. He acknowledges his helplessness but still believes that he is “not insane”. This could mean that he trusts his ability to change his behavior. But it may be too late for him as the lover has given up and left him.
Bridge – What does it mean?
Now that I’ve lost you, it kills me to say (Hurts to say)
I’ve tried to hold on as you’ve slowly slipped away
Losing the love of his life has motivated the narrator to transform into a better person. He is hoping for another chance from his estranged lover.
I’m losing the fight, I’ve treated you so wrong
Now let me make it right (Make it all right)
The “fight” here could refer to two things – the fight to keep his love and the fight within the narrator (between his good and bad side). He is begging his former lover to trust him once again. He reassures her that he will “make it right”. But the lover has probably heard all this before.
Chorus – What does it mean?
(Mother) Come back to me, it’s almost easy
(Said it all) Come back again, it’s almost easy
(You’ll learn your lesson) Come back to me, it’s almost easy
(But still you fall) Come back again, it’s almost easy
The trauma from his childhood haunts the narrator again. Maybe he will learn that before he seeks forgiveness he should first forgive his mother. Then he might be able to move on and find love. His conscience is trying to encourage him. After all, making mistakes is human. The important thing is to “learn your lesson”. But the narrator’s problem is that he continues to fall, again and again. He really need to break the pattern once and for all.
Hope you have now understood the Almost Easy lyrics meaning.
Conclusion
The real sentiment behind Almost Easy lyrics meaning rests in your ability to forgive. Holding on to the pain from the past only adds to the burden on your shoulders. Sometimes, it is important to forgive and let go of the pain. This opens up many opportunities to find lasting happiness.
