Cast In Steel

In 'Cast In Steel,' a-ha delves into the themes of enduring promises and the inevitable passage of time. The song opens with an invitation to meet at a 'turnaround,' a metaphorical place where one can pause and reflect. This setting serves as a backdrop for the singer's contemplation of a past relationship, one that was once vibrant and full of life but has since faded. The lyrics 'Forget for once how everything fades, it fades away' poignantly capture the transient nature of life and love.

The chorus emphasizes the lasting impact of the promises made, described as 'set in stone and cast in steel.' These metaphors suggest a sense of permanence and unbreakable commitment, contrasting sharply with the earlier imagery of fading and falling away. The repetition of 'I'll never get over what we said' and 'I'll always remember what we knew' underscores the emotional weight of these memories, which linger in the singer's mind despite the passage of time.

The song also touches on the inevitability of change and loss, as seen in the lines 'Feel the ashes on the wind, don't you hate how everything falls, just falls away.' This imagery evokes a sense of melancholy and resignation, acknowledging that even the most steadfast promises cannot prevent the natural course of life. The pact made 'eye to eye' and the phrase 'cross your heart and hope to die' further highlight the depth of the commitment, making the eventual fading of these bonds all the more poignant.

'Cast In Steel' is a reflective and emotionally charged song that explores the tension between enduring promises and the relentless march of time. It captures the bittersweet nature of holding onto memories that are both precious and painful, set against the backdrop of life's inevitable changes.