The Price

Leprous' song "The Price" delves deep into the complexities of mental health and the internal battles that often go unseen. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person grappling with profound emotional scars and psychological pain. The opening lines, "Piercing his eyes / Scars you can't see," suggest that the wounds are not physical but deeply embedded within the psyche. This sets the tone for a narrative that explores the hidden struggles and the arduous journey of overcoming them.

The imagery of climbing a mountain and crossing a sea symbolizes the immense effort required to navigate through these mental challenges. Despite the struggle seemingly ending, as indicated by the repeated line "The struggle has ended," the damage to the mind remains. This highlights the lingering effects of mental health issues, even after the most intense battles have subsided. The phrase "Damaged mind / Already descended" suggests a descent into a state of mental distress that continues to affect the individual.

The song also touches on themes of isolation and resilience. The lines "Up on the hill / Tough and alone / Perfectly filling / His desolate throne" evoke a sense of solitude and the burden of carrying one's struggles alone. Yet, there is also a sense of perseverance, as the individual strives to secure themselves despite the ongoing turmoil. The closing lines, "Friendly betrayal / Somber delight / Treating his tumor / Without a fight," add a layer of complexity, hinting at the paradoxical nature of coping mechanisms and the bittersweet relief that sometimes accompanies them. Overall, "The Price" is a poignant exploration of the cost of inner struggles and the resilience required to face them.