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It's unclear what the God reference means, but the bulk of The Open Door is like that: Lee is tired of what's holding her down, so she fights, kicks, and screams to be set free, at times referencing a higher power for deliverance.

"Lithium" follows the same pattern. The song is an ode to the prescription drug lithium—a one-way dialog between Lee and the drug where God, once again, makes a casual appearance: "Lithium … don't want to lock me up inside / Lithium … don't want to forget how it feels without / Lithium … I want to stay in love with my sorrow / But God, I want to let it go."

The lamentations persist in "The Only One," a number where Lee decries human guidance and, to an extent, favors heavenly direction instead: "All our lives / We've been waiting / For someone to call our leader / All your lies / I'm not believing / Heaven shine a light down on me."

Then there's "Lacrymosa," a track that was reportedly intended for an artist-driven Chronicles of Narnia soundtrack that never materialized. But the song has nothing to do with Lucy and her escapades into the land of Aslan.�� Rather, it's just another bitter break-up anthem: "And you can blame it on me / Just set your guilt free, honey / I don't want to hold you back now love."

The only song where Lee doesn't spend time despairing is the album closer "Good Enough" (excerpted above), a tender ballad where the singer talks about the rapturous hold of something bigger than herself in her trademark, gothic style: "Shouldn't have let you torture me so sweetly … / Shouldn't have let you conquer me completely / Now I can't let go of this dream / Can't believe that I feel / Good enough for you."

Though it leaves a sweet taste in your mouth, "Good Enough" may not mean much in the larger scheme. But after an album chock-full of sour postscripts about failed partnerships—romantic, professional, or otherwise—it does stand in stark contrast to everything else. It's a breath of fresh air.

Could it be Lee is finally coming to grips with her band's royal about-face on Christian rock? Who is the "you" she's referring to? Or is it just another "boy" song? We may never know, but the song at least gives the impression she's turning a corner and opening the door to a new outlook, shining some light on the darkness that has permeated Evanescence's image and sound since they first started.

Unless specified clearly, we are not implying whether this artist is or is not a Christian. The views expressed are simply the author's. For a more complete description of our Glimpses of God articles, click here

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