The Chosen One

The song 'The Chosen One', performed by the band A2 (Apocalyptic Agency), also known as Mona Lisa Overdrive (MLO), is a profound reflection on the identity and destiny of the semi-hero Shadow the Hedgehog. The lyrics reveal an intense internal struggle, where Shadow questions his own existence and the actions that define him. The phrase 'I can't remember anything at all' suggests an amnesia or a disconnection with his past, a recurring theme in Shadow's narrative, which often deals with memory loss and the search for his purpose.

The repetition of 'Wish I may, wish I might / Be someone else tonight' expresses a deep desire to escape his current identity, reflecting the anguish and regret Shadow feels for his past actions. This internal struggle is intensified by the line 'Sometimes I wish I was never born at all', indicating a level of despair and an existential crisis. However, despite this pain, Shadow recognizes his crucial role with the statement 'I'm the chosen one'. This acceptance of his destiny, despite the challenges, shows the complexity of his character and his determination to save the world, even if it means facing his own demons.

The song also addresses Shadow's relationship with those who raised him and love him, as evidenced in the line 'You made me and I love you / But I can't change the things I've done'. This suggests a conflict between gratitude and guilt, where Shadow acknowledges love and creation, but also feels the weight of his past actions. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the idea that, despite all his desires to be different, he cannot escape his destiny as 'the chosen one'. The song therefore encapsulates Shadow's journey of self-discovery and acceptance, highlighting the complexity of being a hero with a dark past and an uncertain future.