The Meaning Behind The Song: My Immortal by Evanescence - Musician Wages (2025)

Introduction

When Evanescence released “My Immortal” in 2003, it became an instant classic. The haunting lyrics and powerful vocals struck a chord with listeners all over the world. However, the song’s meaning has been a topic of debate for years. Some believe it’s about a romantic relationship, while others feel it’s about coping with loss. In this article, we’ll delve into the true meaning behind “My Immortal” by Evanescence.

The Story Behind the Song

“My Immortal” was written by Evanescence’s lead vocalist Amy Lee and former guitarist Ben Moody. They wrote the song in the late 1990s, and it was included in the band’s debut album, “Fallen,” in 2003.

In an interview with MTV News, Lee talked about how she came up with the song. She said, “I started writing it when I was really, really young. It was written about a friendship that I had that was basically the kind of friendship where you’ve been through everything together and you always will be best friends. And then one day, for some reason, it just ends, and you’re not sure why.”

According to Lee, Moody helped her finish the song and gave it some of its signature characteristics. She said, “Ben came in and added that haunting guitar part that’s throughout the song, and it added a whole new layer of emotion to it.”

The True Meaning Behind the Song

While “My Immortal” may seem like a typical love song on the surface, its true meaning is more nuanced than that. As Lee stated, the song was actually written about a friendship that had ended.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Lee explained, “It’s about a loss, not necessarily romantic. It’s about losing somebody who is important to you. It’s a sad song, but it’s also empowering. It’s saying, ‘I’m going to remember you and carry you with me always.'”

The lyrics of “My Immortal” reflect this sentiment. Lee sings, “These wounds won’t seem to heal / This pain is just too real / There’s just too much that time cannot erase.” She goes on to say, “When you cried I’d wipe away all of your tears / When you’d scream I’d fight away all of your fears / And I held your hand through all of these years / But you still have all of me.”

These lyrics speak to the pain of losing someone who was once a source of comfort and support. The lines “These wounds won’t seem to heal / This pain is just too real” convey the difficulty of coping with loss and the feeling that time cannot heal all wounds.

But the song is not solely about pain and loss. The chorus, “You used to captivate me by your resonating light / Now I’m bound by the life you left behind,” suggests that the memory of the person who was lost can still bring joy and inspiration.

A Song That Resonates with Many

“My Immortal” has resonated with listeners all over the world since its release. It’s a song that speaks to the universal experience of loss and the difficulty of moving on from it.

In fact, the song has become so popular that it has been covered by a variety of artists. The American rock band Breaking Benjamin even released a duet version with Lee in 2020.

In an interview with Billboard, Lee talked about the enduring popularity of “My Immortal.” She said, “It’s very surreal to me that something that I wrote so long ago has had such a profound effect on so many people. It just goes to show that, no matter what you’re going through, you’re not alone.”

Conclusion

“My Immortal” by Evanescence is a song that has touched the hearts of many. While it may seem like a simple love song at first, its true meaning is much more complex. The song is about the pain of losing someone who was once important to you, but it’s also about the power of memories and the ability to find strength in difficult times.

Through “My Immortal,” Amy Lee and Ben Moody have created a timeless piece of music that will continue to resonate with listeners for years to come.

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