Self Control
Soraya Arnelas
The Allure and Escape of the Night in 'Self Control'
Soraya Arnelas' song 'Self Control' delves into the dichotomy between day and night, exploring themes of escapism, identity, and the struggle for self-control. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a protagonist who finds solace and freedom in the night, a time when the constraints and expectations of the day fade away. The 'city light painted girl' suggests a transformation that occurs under the cover of darkness, where the protagonist feels more alive and unrestrained.
The recurring line 'You take my self, you take my self control' highlights a sense of surrender to the night and its temptations. The night becomes a realm where the protagonist can forget their daytime responsibilities and roles, living only for the moment. This surrender is both liberating and troubling, as it implies a loss of control and a dependency on the night for a sense of identity and purpose. The lyrics suggest a cyclical pattern of nights and days, where the protagonist continuously seeks refuge in the night, only to face the inevitable return of day.
The song also touches on the idea of living among 'creatures of the night,' indicating a sense of belonging to a nocturnal world that is separate from the daytime reality. This world is described as a 'forest of a dream,' a place that is both enchanting and deceptive. The protagonist acknowledges the illusory nature of the night but chooses to believe in its permanence, expressing a desire to escape the inevitability of tomorrow. This tension between reality and illusion, control and surrender, forms the core of the song's emotional and thematic landscape.