Forgiven

Within Temptation's song "Forgiven" delves deep into the emotional turmoil of losing a loved one and the complex journey towards forgiveness. The lyrics are a poignant exploration of grief, regret, and the enduring bond that remains even after someone has passed away. The song opens with a sense of helplessness, as the narrator reflects on their inability to save their loved one from their struggles. The line "Love you so, it hurts my soul" encapsulates the profound pain and sorrow that comes with such a loss.

The recurring theme of silence in the song symbolizes the void left behind by the departed. The narrator's attempts to shield their loved one from the harsh realities of the world ultimately prove futile, leading to a sense of abandonment and loneliness. The chorus, with its repeated assertion that "All that's done's forgiven," highlights the narrator's internal struggle to come to terms with the past and find peace. This forgiveness is not just for the departed but also for themselves, as they grapple with feelings of guilt and regret.

The imagery of drifting clouds and a sun that can't warm the narrator's face further emphasizes the sense of desolation and the inevitability of the loss. The song's emotional climax is reached with the lines "I've been so lost since you've gone / Why not me before you?" These questions reflect the narrator's deep sense of betrayal by fate and their struggle to understand why things turned out the way they did. Ultimately, "Forgiven" is a powerful testament to the enduring nature of love and the difficult, yet necessary, path to forgiveness and acceptance.