SHADOWBORN
Hiroyuki Sawano
Embracing the Shadows: A Journey of Resilience and Defiance
"SHADOWBORN" by Hiroyuki Sawano is a powerful exploration of resilience, inner strength, and the struggle against one's own limitations. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of a protagonist who feels trapped within their own body, likening it to a cage. This metaphor suggests a sense of confinement and helplessness, yet it also hints at an underlying strength that is waiting to be unleashed. The imagery of "rings of flame" and "blue facade slowly turning red" evokes a transformation, a burning desire to break free from the constraints imposed by external and internal forces.
The recurring theme of "shadowborn" suggests a duality within the protagonist, a part of them that thrives in darkness and adversity. This shadow self is not a source of fear but rather a companion in their journey, a testament to their indestructible soul. The lyrics "Death always fails" and "My soul is indestructible" emphasize a defiance against mortality and the inevitability of suffering. The protagonist embraces their pain, using it as a catalyst for growth and empowerment, ultimately becoming a "shadowborn" warrior who is unafraid to confront the challenges ahead.
The song also delves into themes of isolation and the insurmountable distance between individuals. The "deafening silence" and "dungeons so deep" symbolize the emotional barriers that separate people, highlighting the difficulty of truly understanding one another. Despite this, the protagonist remains steadfast, ready to "steal you from the grave" and defy the odds. "SHADOWBORN" is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to endure and transform, finding strength in the shadows and emerging victorious against all odds.