Hunter of Fate
Can we truly choose our purpose in life and redefine our fate?
Existential philosophers argue that the answer is yes—that the only person who can define what’s meaningful in our lives is ourselves.
In today’s fast-paced world, many of us are plagued by existential crises, nihilism, and a loss of direction. We live in a society that often overlooks our mental health, making it easy to feel disconnected and disheartened. I wrote "Hunter of Fate" as an anthem of empowerment, a message that only we can define our purpose. The strength to take charge of our own happiness lies within us.
For over a decade, I identified as a nihilist. In a modern world that alienates us from our authentic selves, it’s easy to fall into cynicism. I used to think it took someone smart and "disillusioned" to see beyond the matrix we live in and recognize the meaninglessness of everything. But I’ve come to realize that cynicism is the easy way out. True bravery lies in taking a leap of faith, in assigning meaning to what we do, and in wholeheartedly believing that we can create value and contribute to this world.
I wrote this song after witnessing many close friends fall into the same trap of existential crisis and loss of meaning—a reflection of my own past struggles. "Hunter of Fate" is meant to be an empowering anthem, inspiring listeners to believe that they have the power to shape their own fate and take action toward building a life that’s truly meaningful.
“Follow the footsteps on a trodden trail
Hope that I would never fail”
In modern society, many of us are conditioned to believe that there are predefined paths we must follow to achieve success. These paths are often shaped by cultural expectations or societal norms. If you’re like me and grew up with Asian parents, you might have felt pressure to become a doctor or another prestigious field. Or perhaps you’ve been led to believe that success is measured solely by wealth or fame.
These goals, however, may not align with who we truly are. Yet, the fear of failure can keep us from giving ourselves permission to stray from these predetermined paths. We often struggle to break free from these expectations, even when they don’t resonate with our authentic selves.
“When I hold the prize in my hands
Why do I feel nothing at all”
When we pursue goals that aren’t truly fulfilling or aligned with our authentic selves, we often end up feeling empty, even after achieving what we once thought was success. It’s like being trapped in a never-ending rat race, constantly chasing one goal after another, yet never truly feeling satisfied.
I’ve been in that position, and it taught me a profound lesson: there’s a world of difference between doing something for external validation and doing something you genuinely find meaningful. When you’re engaged in work you love, you savor every moment of the journey. The experiences you have along the way become as important and fulfilling as the end goals themselves.
“I am sick of feeling jaded
I will stop cursing my fate”
This part of the song is meant to be a wake-up call. Many people who feel nihilistic or "stuck," as I once did, often get caught in a spiral of negativity instead of taking steps to change. It’s easy to complain about the various disadvantages life has dealt us, but it’s far more challenging—and ultimately rewarding—to take action and transform our lives into something truly meaningful.
Through these lyrics, I hope to inspire listeners to break free from that cycle of negativity. When they sing along, I want them to internalize these words and start believing in the power they have to shape their own life’s meaning.
“I will keep my eyes wide open
Hungry for the life I’ll taste
I wanna feel every second I have left to face”
Life is full of richness and experiences that can be deeply rewarding—if we open our eyes and minds to receive them. Life is also short, and we often forget that our time here is limited. So why not spend our short lives doing something that truly brings us fulfillment?
We all have the power to make that choice. It doesn’t have to be about chasing a grand vision or dream. It can be as simple as organizing your time so you can spend more moments with someone you love. It’s about setting your mind to embrace life’s experiences instead of numbing ourselves and focusing only on the negatives.
“I am the hunter of my own fate
I will walk the trail I blaze
Not the time to hesitate”
I wanted to end the song with a mantra that ignites listeners to take action. The truth is, no one ever feels completely ready to make major changes in their lives—you just have to do it. You have to believe in your ability to create your own path and take that first step.
"Not the time to hesitate" is a call to push past the fear and uncertainty, to trust in your power to shape your fate, and to start moving forward with determination. It’s about embracing the urgency of the moment and committing to the journey you’re meant to take.
Tamlin’s single, “Hunter of Fate” comes out on 27 October 2023 on all streaming platforms.
Lyrics
Trek the concrete jungle
Through the hustle and bustle
Follow the footsteps on a trodden trail
Hope that I would never fail
Good things come to those who wait
That’s what they all said
Duck your head, don’t raise your voice
You don’t wanna chase away the game
Aim my arrow higher
The target keeps on moving further
When I hold the prize in my hands
Why do I feel nothing at all
I am sick of feeling jaded
I will stop cursing my fate
I’m not gonna play dead like a prey animal
I will keep my eyes wide open
Hungry for the life I‘ll taste
I wanna feel every second I have left to face
I am the hunter of my fate
Creatures of habits
Trapped in the pits of our own minds
We can’t run and we can’t hide
Who will free us from our binds?
I am the hunter of my own fate
I will walk the trail I blaze
Not the time to hesitate
Credits
Music
Artist, Composer, & Producer: Tamlin.
Mix & Master Engineer: Max Honsinger
Lyrics Video
Editor: Tamlin.
Illustrations: Midjourney
