The Things We Believe In
Orden Ogan
The Frozen Consequences of Self-Deception
Orden Ogan's song "The Things We Believe In" delves into the themes of self-deception, the consequences of greed and pride, and the loss of true values. The lyrics paint a bleak picture of a world that has succumbed to an eternal winter, symbolizing a state of emotional and moral coldness. The opening lines suggest that humanity's downfall is self-inflicted, as people failed to stand their ground and allowed a metaphorical winter to take over, erasing lives and instilling fear. This sets the stage for a reflection on the internal and external desolation that follows such a collapse.
The chorus emphasizes the irony of human behavior: while people should be willing to die for their beliefs, they instead live in darkness, deceiving themselves. The imagery of a world turned to ice represents the emotional numbness and the death of genuine human connection and values. The repeated phrase "cold, dead and gone" underscores the finality and severity of this state. The call to "shine a light till the dark sky is burning" suggests a desperate hope for change, but the howling wolves and turning fortune indicate that this hope is fraught with danger and uncertainty.
The song also critiques the betrayal by greed and pride, which leads people to stumble through life blindly, mistaking false leaders for true ones. The question of how to reignite the true spark of life and values is posed, hinting at a possible redemption if humanity can recognize and correct its course. However, the repeated refrain of being "cold, dead and gone" suggests a deep skepticism about whether this redemption is achievable. Through its powerful metaphors and stark imagery, "The Things We Believe In" serves as a poignant commentary on the human condition and the dire consequences of losing sight of what truly matters.