The meaning of the lyrics of the song "Jane Doe" by the artist "Within Temptation"

The lyrics of the song "Jane Doe" by Within Temptation tell the story of a person torn apart by guilt and haunted by ghosts of the past.

"Jane Doe" is a collective image of an unknown woman, a victim of circumstances. The lyrical hero is likely guilty of her death, sacrificing her for "a higher love", whatever that may mean to him.

He tries to escape the past, hide the "secrets in his eyes," but the image of Jane Doe haunts him. The stones he hides inside are a metaphor for the burden of his actions. Everywhere he looks, the past catches up with him, reminding him of the crime.

Jane Doe's voice sounds in the chorus, accusing and questioning: "Why won't you let me go?". She claims that her death was "the only way out", that he himself forced her to do it.

Further lines reveal sinister details. Jane Doe "laughed" at the hero, possibly having learned his true nature or a secret he was trying so hard to hide. To protect himself, he silenced her.

Now the sins of the past are haunting the hero, depriving him of peace. Jane Doe's face is ubiquitous, a constant reminder of a crime he can never escape.