John wrote "Lord Flies" in 1984 at a time when he was struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. Elton has always been open about his struggles with substance abuse and the song reflects his inner turmoil and the depths he had reached during that period.
In this song, Elton uses metaphors to represent his deteriorating condition and sense of being consumed by darkness. The "Lord Flies" in the title can be interpreted as a metaphor for addiction or the inner demons that torment him.
The lyrics in the song express his feelings of despair, isolation, and regret as he tries to escape the grip of his addictions but feels trapped and powerless to break free.
He sings about "waking up with the wrong girl in the wrong place" symbolizing his reckless behavior and loss of control. The "night that went wrong" refers to his destructive lifestyle, which has brought devastating consequences.
The line "It's the darkest side of the moon" portrays his descent into a dark phase in his life. As Elton says, "There is no comfort or peace in sight" reflects his hopelessness and the profound sense of isolation he experienced.
Ultimately, "Lord Flies" is a stark and deeply personal representation of the struggles and darkness Elton John faced during his addiction battle. It serves as a cautionary tale, conveying the dangers and desperation that can come from substance abuse and the importance of seeking help and overcoming personal demons.