The Prisoner
Tears for Fears Lyrics


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Here behind the wall
I feel so small
Breathing but not preceiving
Here anger is me
Love sets me free
Feeling and not believing

Here in my mind
Biding my time
Waiting but not relating
Here anger is me




Love sets me free
The Prisoner is now escaping

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Tears for Fears's song "The Prisoner" portray a sense of confinement and isolation. The opening line, "Here behind the wall, I feel so small" suggests a physical or emotional barrier that the singer is trapped behind. This line also sets the mood of the song as being claustrophobic and suffocating. The second line, "Breathing but not perceiving" presents an idea that the character is alive but not truly living, which adds to the feeling of isolation. The repeating of "Here anger is me" highlights the frustration the singer feels in their confinement, although it is ultimately love that sets them free. The closing line, "The Prisoner is now escaping" suggests a sense of hope and potential liberation from the mental or physical boundaries present.


The lyrics also portray a sense of detachment, as the singer is "Biding my time, waiting but not relating" implying that they have lost their connection with others. It is significant that the lyrics use the word "not" instead of "unable to" which implies that there is something holding the singer back from relating to others. Perhaps it is a mental or emotional blockage that has caused their imprisonment. The final line, "The Prisoner is now escaping" reflects the idea of breaking free from the limitations that prevent personal growth and moving towards connection with others. Thus, the lyrics of "The Prisoner" depict a journey of growth, from feeling trapped and isolated to finding a sense of freedom and connection.


Line by Line Meaning

Here behind the wall
In my isolated state, cut off from the outside world


I feel so small
I experience a great sense of insignificance and vulnerability


Breathing but not perceiving
I am alive but not truly aware of my surroundings


Here anger is me
In this place, I am consumed by anger


Love sets me free
But the power of love can liberate me from this emotional prison


Feeling and not believing
I am capable of sensing but unable to accept what I perceive


Here in my mind
Within myself, mentally trapped


Biding my time
Waiting patiently for the right moment to act


Waiting but not relating
I am waiting for something but feel disconnected from others


The Prisoner is now escaping
With the aid of love, I am breaking free from this emotional confinement




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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