Who I Used To Be (feat. Spela Gorogranc - Shana)

The song 'Who I Used To Be' by Punishing Gray Raven, featuring Spela Gorogranc - Shana, delves into the complex emotions of self-discovery and the struggle to reconcile with one's past. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone grappling with their identity, haunted by memories and a sense of numbness. The opening lines, 'Underneath I look / For reflection in your eyes / Who am I inside?' set the tone for an introspective journey, where the protagonist seeks validation and understanding through the eyes of another.

The recurring theme of numbness and detachment is palpable throughout the song. Lines like 'I feel numb / Broken and undone' and 'Flip a switch and do not feel / Is it even real?' highlight a profound sense of disconnection from reality and self. This emotional void is juxtaposed with the imagery of memories, described as 'flying leaves' and 'floating up like memories / Above the trees,' suggesting a fleeting and ephemeral nature of the past that the protagonist is trying to hold onto.

However, the song also carries a message of resilience and rebirth. The chorus, 'I will fight / Shadows in the night / Stronger than each one of them / I'm born again,' signifies a turning point where the protagonist embraces their strength and confronts their fears. The metaphor of 'slashing through the dark' with a 'spark' symbolizes a newfound clarity and courage. By the end of the song, the protagonist reaches a place of acceptance, no longer afraid of their true self and understanding their journey. The repeated question, 'Do you see? / Who I used to be!' transforms from a plea for recognition to a declaration of self-awareness and empowerment.