Cage

Hiroyuki Sawano's song 'Cage' delves into the complex interplay between duty, freedom, and personal sacrifice. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a protagonist who feels trapped in a 'gilded cage,' a metaphor for a life of imposed responsibilities and expectations. This character is burdened by the need to rectify the mistakes of their predecessors, suggesting a generational struggle and the weight of inherited obligations. The phrase 'I was born to lead you all away from your crusade' indicates a mission to divert others from a destructive path, further emphasizing the theme of duty over personal desire.

The recurring motif of a 'frozen dream' symbolizes unattainable aspirations and the paradox of striving for something that can never be realized. This dream, described as both 'frozen' and 'golden,' represents the protagonist's conflicting emotions—hope and despair, ambition and resignation. The 'event horizon' mentioned in the lyrics serves as a metaphor for a point of no return, where the protagonist's dreams and reality collide, leading to a sense of inevitable loss and futility. The song's narrative suggests that the protagonist's life has been consumed by their duty, leaving little room for personal fulfillment or ordinary experiences.

The emotional core of the song is captured in the lines 'Is there hope anywhere? Is there love here anywhere?' These questions reflect a deep yearning for connection and meaning amidst the protagonist's sacrifices. The 'rusted heart' symbolizes emotional wear and tear, hinting at the toll that duty and isolation have taken. Despite the heavy themes, the song also touches on the possibility of liberation, as seen in the line 'My burden lifted, I am free,' suggesting a glimmer of hope that the protagonist might eventually break free from their metaphorical cage. 'Cage' is a poignant exploration of the tension between duty and freedom, and the personal cost of living up to societal and familial expectations.