Amy Lee Reflects on Evanescence’s Early Years Through New Sanctuary Lyrics

*Amy Lee from Evanescence performs at Marvel Stadium on November 08, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Sam Tabone/Getty Images)*

Amy Lee is looking back at Evanescence's early years through the lyrics of the band's latest album, Sanctuary.

The reflection comes as Evanescence's 2003 breakthrough hit, "Bring Me to Life," received Diamond certification from the RIAA in June.

In the opening verse of the Sanctuary track "Forever Without You," Lee sings, "This is the last tear fallen/ this is the last open door," referencing the band's first two albums, Fallen (2003) and The Open Door (2006).

Lee explained that the lyrics are meant to signal that the song is about the band's past.

"I'm making a reference to the early days, I guess, to kind of explain to anybody listening that I'm talking about the past," Lee said. "I think dropping those in 'Forever Without You' is sort of the entrance to the song where I'm saying, 'Hey, we're about to, we're about to talk about that time.'"

Lee also noted that the phrase "open door" has appeared throughout Evanescence's music, including in the opening lyrics of "Bring Me to Life."

She said an open door represents "a way forward," adding that it symbolizes not being trapped in the past and being free. Lee added that the pursuit of freedom has been a recurring theme in her songwriting since the beginning.

Evanescence is currently touring the U.S. in support of Sanctuary.

Content for this summary was derived from original reporting by ABC Audio, as featured on 105.7 The Point