Meaning of "Hemiplegia" by Haerts
The lyrics of "Hemiplegia" explore the theme of feeling stagnant, stuck, or paralyzed in life. The repeated references to slow movement, numbed lightness, and inability to fight sleep all paint a picture of someone struggling with inertia and a lack of agency. The mention of gold burning the ocean and forced devotion evokes feelings of loss, sacrifice, and the weight of obligation. The refrain emphasizing that one cannot move forward with their eyes down suggests that introspection or focusing on inner turmoil can prevent progress or growth. The mention of hemiplegia, a condition that affects one side of the body, metaphorically represents a feeling of being half alive or only partially engaged with life. Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of being held back by one's own thoughts, emotions, or circumstances, making it difficult to break free and move forward.