Protocol (Undertale Yellow)

Nongagos' song 'Protocol (Undertale Yellow)' delves into the complex emotions and internal conflict of a character tasked with apprehending a human child. The lyrics are a dialogue between the character and the human, highlighting the character's adherence to a strict protocol while grappling with unexpected compassion and confusion. The song's narrative is set within the universe of 'Undertale,' a popular indie video game known for its unique approach to combat and morality, where players can choose to fight or show mercy to their opponents.

The character in the song is initially confident and follows a set of steps designed to capture the human. However, the human's refusal to attack and their persistent dodging create a sense of bewilderment and frustration. The character's repeated attempts to provoke a fight, including urging the human to be aggressive and insulting, reflect their struggle to understand why the human won't conform to the expected behavior. This dynamic showcases the character's internal conflict between their duty and the growing realization that the human might not be as malevolent as they initially thought.

As the song progresses, the character's frustration turns into a deeper reflection on their own abilities and the pressures of their job. The lyrics reveal a sense of vulnerability and self-doubt, as the character admits to struggling with their role and fearing the consequences of failure. The human's continued mercy and refusal to fight force the character to confront their own limitations and the rigid expectations of their position. This emotional journey underscores the broader themes of empathy, duty, and the challenges of adhering to a strict protocol in the face of unexpected compassion.