Abandoned, Pleased, Brainwashed, Exploited

Sonata Arctica's song "Abandoned, Pleased, Brainwashed, Exploited" is a powerful commentary on the state of society and the disillusionment of a generation. The lyrics paint a bleak picture of a world filled with fear, manipulation, and exploitation. The opening lines, "Wake up my child, hope is here / With the vengeance, we have no time to bleed," set the tone for a call to action, urging the listener to recognize the urgency of the situation and the need for change.

The song delves into themes of lost innocence and the consequences of societal neglect. The lines "A child guides a child guided child / A child is never guilty / But you should not run free" suggest a cycle of misguided leadership and the loss of moral direction. The imagery of an open grave and the call to "empty the cradle with fire" evoke a sense of despair and the destruction of future generations. The repeated refrain, "Your own blood will clean the blood, for now the glory days are gone," underscores the idea that the current generation must take responsibility for the damage done and work towards redemption.

The lyrics also highlight the futility of superficial solutions, as seen in the line "Throw money at the problem and it will remain." This critique of materialism and the failure to address deeper issues is a recurring theme in the song. The call to "open your eyes and see, it's not a dream" serves as a wake-up call, urging listeners to confront the harsh realities of the world and take meaningful action. The song's message is clear: it is time for everyone to reflect on their actions, recognize their complicity, and strive for a better future.