To Whom It May Concern
Creed
The Struggle for Personal Freedom in Creed's 'To Whom It May Concern'
Creed's song 'To Whom It May Concern' delves into the complex emotions surrounding personal freedom and the internal battles one faces when feeling constrained by external forces. The lyrics convey a sense of urgency and frustration, as the narrator grapples with the pressures of time and the gaze of another person, which he perceives as a threat to his autonomy. The repeated mention of 'freedom' underscores its importance to the narrator, suggesting that it is something he deeply values and fears losing.
The song opens with an apology for yelling and rushing, indicating a moment of emotional overwhelm. This sets the stage for the recurring theme of time pushing relentlessly, adding to the narrator's stress. The eyes staring in the dark symbolize an invasive presence, possibly representing societal expectations, personal relationships, or internal guilt. These eyes are a metaphor for judgment and control, which the narrator feels are encroaching on his sense of freedom.
The chorus, with its plea for the eyes not to steal his freedom, highlights the narrator's desperation to maintain his independence. The repetition of 'my freedom' emphasizes its significance and the fear of losing it. The song's structure, with its cyclical return to the theme of freedom, mirrors the ongoing struggle the narrator faces. Creed's powerful delivery and the song's intense atmosphere amplify the emotional weight of these lyrics, making 'To Whom It May Concern' a poignant exploration of the fight for personal liberty in the face of external pressures.