Crushed

Imagine Dragons' song 'Crushed' delves into the emotional turmoil of a person, presumably a woman, grappling with societal expectations and the pressure to conform. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who is expected to fit a certain mold, to be 'pretty and pink, necklace and ring,' and to be seen rather than heard. This external pressure is at odds with the protagonist's true self, as she asserts, 'But that's not who I am.' The song captures the internal conflict between societal norms and personal identity.

The chorus, 'I can feel, I can feel too much,' suggests a deep sensitivity and emotional overload. The phrase 'it's crushing me' is repeated throughout the song, symbolizing the overwhelming weight of expectations and the desire for these pressures to 'go away.' The use of the word 'crushing' conveys a sense of being overpowered and suffocated by the demands placed upon her. The song also touches on themes of judgment and ostracization, as indicated by the reference to 'the scarlet A on your neck,' an allusion to Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'The Scarlet Letter,' where the protagonist is branded with an 'A' for adultery and shamed by her community.

The song concludes with a yearning for freedom and acceptance, as the protagonist wants to be taken for who she is, with 'eyes like the sunrise' and a 'colorful rainbow.' This imagery suggests a desire to be seen in her full spectrum of humanity, rather than through the narrow lens of societal expectations. 'Crushed' by Imagine Dragons is a poignant commentary on the struggle to maintain one's identity in the face of relentless pressure to conform.