The Orphanage

Iskald's song 'The Orphanage' delves into the harrowing experiences of a child trapped in a nightmarish institution. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a place filled with suffering and despair, where the protagonist recounts their traumatic past. The 'hag' mentioned in the song symbolizes a figure of torment and cruelty, moving from room to room, inflicting pain on the children. This character could be interpreted as a metaphor for the oppressive and abusive systems that exist in some orphanages, where the vulnerable are often left to suffer in silence.

The recurring theme of dreams and memories in the song highlights the protagonist's longing for escape and a sense of belonging. The line 'I dream a dream of coming home' suggests a deep yearning for a place of safety and love, contrasting sharply with the grim reality of the orphanage. The mention of 'The Orphanage I used to roam' indicates that the protagonist is reflecting on their past, possibly from a place of relative safety, but the scars of their experiences remain.

The song also touches on themes of resilience and hope amidst despair. Despite the relentless suffering, the protagonist holds onto their story, symbolized by the 'book' that is 'open and dust is gone.' This act of storytelling becomes a form of resistance against the dehumanizing conditions they endured. The final lines, 'Commandment of light, I will obey,' suggest a glimmer of hope and a desire to move towards a better future, even as the protagonist acknowledges the lingering presence of fear and trauma.