Meaning of "Prisoner" by Cher

"Prisoner" is a song that delves into the complex emotions and struggles of being trapped in a toxic relationship. The lyrics depict the speaker's feelings of being a captive to the other person's love, where their thoughts and emotions are controlled and manipulated. The use of the metaphor of being chained up and imprisoned emphasizes the power dynamics within the relationship, where the speaker feels helpless and unable to escape. The walls being too high symbolize the barriers that prevent the speaker from reaching their full potential and happiness. They long to break free and "touch the sky," a metaphor for achieving freedom and finding true happiness. The lines "All beaten and abused, now I feel tied up and misused" reveal the emotional and possibly physical abuse the speaker has endured in the relationship. Despite their broken heart, the speaker still holds a certain degree of love towards the person who has imprisoned them, evident in the line "I was pleased up from the start." This suggests that the relationship may have started off positively but eventually turned toxic and damaging.

The lyrics also convey the speaker's desperation for someone to understand their pain. They feel invisible and unheard, with nobody fully comprehending the extent of their suffering. This sense of isolation adds to the emotional burden the speaker carries. The repeated assertion that they never thought their love would become a threat reflects their disbelief and shock at how the relationship has deteriorated.

Overall, "Prisoner" serves as an emotional exploration of the speaker's experiences in a toxic relationship. It highlights the feelings of entrapment, abuse, longing for freedom, and the inner conflict between love and the need to escape. The lyrics give a voice to those who have felt trapped in unhealthy relationships, portraying the intense emotions and struggles that can accompany such situations.