Alive!
Bakar (UK)
The Quest for Freedom and Meaning in Bakar's 'Alive!'
Bakar's song 'Alive!' is a poignant exploration of the human desire for freedom, connection, and meaning. The repetitive chorus, 'Wanna free my mind, wanna be outside, wanna be alive, pray I wake up again,' captures a yearning for liberation from mental constraints and a longing to experience life fully. This repetition emphasizes the intensity of these desires, suggesting a struggle to break free from internal and external limitations.
The verses delve deeper into personal experiences and emotions. Bakar reflects on the impermanence of happiness with the line, 'I know the sunshine isn't promised, so I put it in my pocket.' This metaphor suggests an attempt to hold onto fleeting moments of joy amidst the harshness of life's 'winter.' The mention of a relationship that has ended, 'You was the straw that bend, told you tonight wasn't the time,' adds a layer of personal loss and the difficulty of moving on. The imagery of eyes that 'wouldn't lie' and 'wouldn't cry' underscores the authenticity and pain of these experiences.
In the bridge, Bakar expresses a deep longing for home and connection, 'Home, gotta get back home, home is where I wanna be with you.' This sentiment is juxtaposed with a sense of disillusionment and confusion, 'Runnin' from the system, can't figure the wisdom, searchin' for the wrong thing.' These lines reflect a broader societal critique, highlighting the struggle to find true meaning and purpose in a world that often feels chaotic and oppressive. The repetition of 'searchin' for the wrong thing' suggests a recognition of misguided pursuits and a desire to realign with what truly matters.