Nieznajomy

Dawid Podsiadło's song "Nieznajomy" delves deep into the themes of self-reflection, regret, and the haunting presence of one's past. The title, which translates to "Stranger," sets the tone for the introspective journey the artist embarks on. The lyrics open with a greeting to an unknown figure, which symbolizes a future version of the self or an aspect of the self that is not fully understood. This figure is a mirror reflecting the artist's fears and uncertainties about the future, encapsulated in the line, "czy to ja za kilka lat?" ("is it me in a few years?"). The grayness outside the window and the silence of the stranger evoke a sense of desolation and existential dread.

As the song progresses, the imagery becomes more intense, with walls crumbling and glass shattering, symbolizing the collapse of the artist's internal world. This destruction is a metaphor for the cumulative weight of past mistakes and regrets, as he falls through the errors of all the years. The faces filled with disappointment and the dormant pain and anger in their eyes highlight the emotional toll of these mistakes. The artist's admission of lying more than he would like to admit and the coldness in his veins suggest a deep sense of guilt and alienation, leading to his current state of loneliness.

The recurring question to the stranger, "czy widzisz to co ja?" ("do you see what I see?") underscores the artist's desperate need for understanding and connection. The final lines reflect a sense of disillusionment with oneself and the world, as he questions how anyone could have trusted him and acknowledges his past insincerity. The repetition of the same place and the same tired fear amidst a crowd of people signifies a feeling of being trapped in a cycle of despair and isolation. Through "Nieznajomy," Podsiadło poignantly captures the struggle of confronting one's inner demons and the longing for redemption and self-acceptance.