I Was Born (A Unicorn)
The Unicorns
The Mythical Struggle of Belief in 'I Was Born (A Unicorn)'
The Unicorns' song 'I Was Born (A Unicorn)' delves into themes of belief, identity, and existential struggle through the metaphor of a unicorn. The opening lines, 'I was born a unicorn / I missed the ark but I could've sworn you'd wait for me,' set the stage for a narrative of feeling left out and misunderstood. The unicorn, a mythical creature, symbolizes uniqueness and rarity, suggesting that the speaker feels isolated in their distinctiveness. The reference to missing the ark alludes to the biblical story of Noah, implying a sense of abandonment and missed opportunities for salvation or acceptance.
The lyrics continue to explore the theme of belief, both in oneself and in others. 'I could've sworn you believed in me / Then how come all the other Unicorns are dead?' This line questions the authenticity of belief and support from others. The death of other unicorns could symbolize the loss of hope or the extinction of unique individuals who were once believed in. The song suggests that belief is a mutual act, as highlighted in the repeated lines, 'If I stop believing in you / If you stop believing in me.' This mutual belief is crucial for the survival of one's identity and uniqueness.
The chorus, 'We're the Unicorns / We're more than horses / We're the unicorns / And we're people too!' emphasizes the idea that unicorns, and by extension, unique individuals, are more than just their outward appearances or labels. They possess depth, humanity, and a need for recognition and belief. The song, with its whimsical yet poignant lyrics, captures the struggle of maintaining one's identity and the importance of mutual belief in a world that often overlooks the extraordinary.