King

Tesseract's song 'King' delves into the themes of power, control, and the loss of personal freedom. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a tyrannical figure who exerts dominance over others, symbolized by the metaphor of a king. The opening lines, 'You died within me / The boatmen came to sail me down the river,' suggest a sense of internal death and a journey towards an inevitable fate, possibly hinting at the oppressive nature of the king's rule. The imagery of turning 'nothing into gold' and dining 'like a king on top of the world' further emphasizes the king's absolute power and the superficiality of his grandeur.

The song critiques the idea that forgiveness is a sign of weakness, advocating instead for retribution against the tyrant. Lines like 'Remove the crown of absolution / Let the retribution fly' call for action against the oppressive ruler. The repeated assertion that 'the king has all' underscores the totalitarian nature of the king's control, while the mention of 'words can kill and maim and take their toll' highlights the destructive power of language and propaganda. The king's rule is depicted as a nightmare that 'massacres dreams' and 'eats away at every thought,' illustrating the psychological toll of living under such tyranny.

The chorus, 'Bow down submit to me and kiss the ground / Until it’s safe to breathe and coexist again,' reflects the forced submission and loss of autonomy experienced by those under the king's rule. The repeated line, 'They’re taking away the freedom to be just you,' serves as a powerful reminder of the personal freedoms that are stripped away in such a regime. Despite the oppressive circumstances, the song offers a glimmer of hope with the line, 'But the sun always shines for you,' suggesting that there is still a possibility for liberation and a return to individuality.

Tesseract's 'King' is a poignant exploration of the dynamics of power and the human spirit's resilience in the face of oppression. The song's complex metaphors and evocative imagery invite listeners to reflect on the nature of authority and the importance of personal freedom.