The meaning of the lyrics of the song "Dark Wings" by the artist "Within Temptation"

In the song Dark Wings by Within Temptation, the lyrical heroine finds herself caught in a battle she never anticipated.

The line "Why was I the one to be chosen?" conveys a sense of confusion and surprise. The heroine doesn't understand why fate has chosen her for this struggle, as she was unaware of her own power until this point ("before the battle, I didn't see the full power and magic of my strength"). Her previous life was likely ordinary, as evidenced by the words "it was beyond my wildest dreams."

"Dark Wings," a metaphor for enemies, represent a formidable force ("just look at the shadows that have gathered around"). The heroine faces losses ("one by one they fall") but also calls for resistance ("don't die in my arms, you haven't accomplished your feats yet").

The words "stay alive, breathe, breathe" convey both despair and hope. The heroine refuses to accept defeat; she believes the battle is not yet lost.

The death of a loved one ("when they took your soul") becomes a turning point. Night, a symbol of darkness and despair, gives way to day ("night turned into day"), which could signify a surge of new strength inspired by the fallen's sacrifice ("blinded by the rays of light from your life"). The heroine draws on the memory of the deceased, seeking in it the strength to continue the fight ("give us the strength we lacked so much").

The recurring motif of "dark wings - they descend" emphasizes the ongoing threat while demonstrating the heroine's resilience, her willingness to confront the darkness.