The Only Thing I Know For Real

The song 'The Only Thing I Know For Real' by the artist Metal Gear Rising is a powerful exploration of lost identity and the search for meaning amidst chaos. The lyrics convey a sense of disorientation and amnesia, as the protagonist has forgotten even their own name. This confusion extends to a lack of awareness of time and place, symbolized by not knowing the season or the reason for standing with a blade. The imagery of a desolate place without a trace suggests a feeling of isolation and the cold wind represents the harsh reality that the protagonist faces.

The chorus, 'The only thing I know for real,' is a declaration of the one certainty in the protagonist's life: the inevitability of conflict, represented by bloodshed. The reference to the man in the mirror nodding his head could imply a recognition of the inevitability of facing one's own battles. The dragon's back and the unyielding mountains are metaphors for the daunting challenges and the unforgiving nature of the protagonist's journey. The song suggests that the only way to reclaim identity and discover truth is to confront these challenges head-on, despite the inherent risks and the uncertainty of the outcome.

The song's narrative is one of introspection and confrontation. The protagonist is on a quest to find their true self, which seems to be tied to the act of fighting. This struggle is not just physical but also mental, as they grapple with the fear of losing their sanity. The mountain range is a metaphor for the obstacles that must be overcome to achieve self-discovery and understanding. The protagonist's determination to climb despite the danger reflects a deep need to understand the reasons behind their actions and to find a purpose that goes beyond mere survival.