Leaden Legacy

After Forever's song 'Leaden Legacy' delves into the struggle of breaking free from the burdens of the past and the emotional constraints that come with it. The opening lines, 'I can't look behind because I'm living in the past,' set the tone for a narrative steeped in regret and the inability to move forward. The tears 'without emotion' suggest a sense of numbness, a state where the protagonist is overwhelmed by their past to the point of emotional paralysis.

The Latin phrase 'Sicut erat in principio, Et nunc et semper et insæcula Sæculorum,' which translates to 'As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end,' adds a timeless, almost eternal quality to the struggle described in the song. This phrase underscores the cyclical nature of the protagonist's emotional turmoil, suggesting that these feelings are not just personal but universal and enduring.

The song's chorus, 'We cannot be what you expect from us, We cannot see through the glasses of despair,' speaks to the pressure of societal expectations and the difficulty of seeing a way out when one is mired in hopelessness. The 'leaden legacy' represents the heavy, oppressive weight of past mistakes and regrets. The lyrics urge listeners to 'wake up and see the light,' advocating for self-awareness and the courage to break free from these emotional chains. The repeated mention of being 'doomed to sycophancy' highlights the fear of living a life of insincere flattery and subservience, further emphasizing the need for genuine self-liberation.

In essence, 'Leaden Legacy' is a powerful anthem about the importance of confronting and overcoming the past to live a more authentic and liberated life. It encourages listeners to recognize the manipulative forces that keep them bound and to find the strength to break free from them.