Forsaken
David Draiman
The Struggle for Acceptance in 'Forsaken'
David Draiman's song 'Forsaken' delves into the emotional turmoil and existential struggle of feeling abandoned and misunderstood. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone grappling with their inner demons and the weight of past memories. The opening lines, 'I'm over it / You see I'm falling in the vast abyss,' suggest a sense of despair and a feeling of being lost in a sea of negative emotions. This sets the stage for the recurring theme of seeking acceptance and understanding in a world that often feels isolating and judgmental.
The pre-chorus sections, 'I hear it fading, I can't speak it / Or else you will dig my grave,' highlight the fear of expressing one's true self due to the potential backlash and rejection from others. This fear is compounded by the feeling of being constantly scrutinized and criticized, as indicated by the lines, 'You feel them finding, always whining.' The plea to 'Take my hand now be alive' suggests a desire for connection and support, a lifeline amidst the chaos.
The chorus, 'You see I cannot be forsaken / Because I'm not the only one,' serves as a powerful declaration of solidarity and resilience. It emphasizes that the struggle for acceptance is a shared experience, and there is strength in numbers. The imagery of 'feeding, raping' conveys the predatory nature of societal judgment and the invasive scrutiny faced by those who dare to be different. The repeated question, 'Must we hide from everyone?' underscores the internal conflict between the need for self-expression and the fear of rejection.
In the second verse, the lyrics 'Why can't we be together embrace it? / Sleeping so long taking off the mask' suggest a longing for authenticity and genuine connection. The act of 'taking off the mask' symbolizes shedding societal expectations and embracing one's true self. The repetition of the pre-chorus and chorus reinforces the central themes of fear, resilience, and the quest for acceptance. The final repetition of 'Everyone' serves as a poignant reminder that these struggles are universal, affecting everyone in some way.