Imprisonment of the Mind
Peter Bjärgö Lyrics
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Our dreams are the only thing we have left that they can't take away.
With my hands tied behind my back, I can only but sit down
and watch you destroy it all.
Imprisonment of the mind is what they strive for.
To produce an image of free will will keep us calm.
But the truth is that the world gets smaller for everyday,
I will hide here in the shadows
while you have your way.
I will not show you my dislike
until you ruined all.
The lyrics to Peter Bjärgö's song Imprisonment of the Mind speak to the idea that freedom is a concept that is constantly being eroded and dismantled in the modern world. The first line, "Freedom, a word made of pulverised dreams," sets the tone for the rest of the song, suggesting that our idealized visions of freedom are often crushed and reduced to nothing. Despite this, the singer suggests that our dreams are the only thing that we have left that cannot be taken away from us.
The second stanza continues to explore the theme of the erosion of freedom, with the lyrics suggesting that the powers that be are actively working to imprison our minds and restrict our choices. The line "To produce an image of free will will keep us calm" suggests that the illusion of freedom is being used to pacify people, even as their actual freedom is being curtailed. The final line of this stanza, "together with our freedom," is a poignant observation that suggests that as our world gets smaller and more controlled, our freedom is diminishing along with it.
The final stanza of the song is perhaps the most heartbreaking, as the singer resigns themselves to hiding in the shadows and watching as those in power destroy everything that is good and free. The line "I will not show you my dislike until you ruined all" speaks to the idea that sometimes it's not until we have lost everything that we realize how precious it truly was.
Overall, Imprisonment of the Mind is a haunting exploration of the way that freedom is constantly threatened and eroded in our modern world. It speaks to the idea that our dreams of freedom may be all that we have left, and that we must fight to preserve them even as they are under attack.
Line by Line Meaning
Freedom, a word made of pulverised dreams.
Our hopes and aspirations, which culminate in freedom, have been crushed by those in power.
Our dreams are the only thing we have left that they can't take away.
Despite the oppressive situation, our dreams are something that the authorities do not have the power to confiscate or control.
With my hands tied behind my back, I can only but sit down
and watch you destroy it all.
As a powerless victim, I must helplessly observe the forces that be as they demolish everything I cherish.
Imprisonment of the mind is what they strive for.
The oppressive regimes intentionally target the thoughts and beliefs of their people in order to maintain their control.
To produce an image of free will will keep us calm.
The illusion of individual will and choice is reinforced to placate the masses and prevent them from shaking off their chains.
But the truth is that the world gets smaller for everyday,
together with our freedom.
Every day, the oppressive forces become stronger, while our liberty and personal autonomy diminish.
I will hide here in the shadows
while you have your way.
I will remain hidden and silent while you exercise your power and do as you please.
I will not show you my dislike
until you ruined all.
I will conceal my hatred until you have destroyed everything and there is nothing left to lose.
Contributed by Mateo D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.