Levers

Roland Faunte's song 'Levers' is a haunting exploration of existential despair, the search for meaning, and the struggle between succumbing to darkness and clinging to hope. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person standing before a metaphorical door, contemplating the unknown. The melting locks and convincing colors suggest a temptation to escape from the pain and confusion of life. The words on the gate, 'I'll make this all go away,' offer a promise of silence and peace, which is described as music in the valley of nothingness—a place where life began before it was complicated by existence.

The song delves into the human condition, portraying life as an ocean where people forget their true nature and swim towards deceptive lights at the bottom. The protagonist, however, chooses to float towards the surface, seeking warmth and understanding. This journey symbolizes the struggle to find a balance between the cold, merciless depths of despair and the warmth of hope and life. The decision to live a meaningful life, rather than just existing, is a central theme, highlighting the importance of perseverance and the belief that things can get better.

Faunte's lyrics also touch on the internal conflict of trying to reconcile one's past self with the present. The imagery of levers, pulleys, and spindles of wire represents the mechanical and broken aspects of the protagonist's being. Despite feeling miles away from loved ones and struggling with unnatural thoughts, there is a persistent fight against giving in to despair. The song concludes with a poignant reflection on the remnants of a once-smiling child, now a breathing ghost, cold and terrified but still hoping to find warmth and healing. 'Levers' is a powerful narrative of resilience, the search for belonging, and the enduring hope for a better future.