Meaning of "Captive" by Leprous

The lyrics of "Captive" by Leprous delve into the inner struggle of being bound by limitations and yearning for liberation. The opening lines, "Taken, My limitations, To enable, All my temptations," suggest that the speaker feels their restrictions have been imposed upon them, potentially by external forces, so as to give rise to their own desires and temptations. This evokes a sense of being controlled, perhaps even manipulated, by outside influences.

The subsequent lines, "Unchained, From my creation, Nothing precious, Without fixation," indicate a desire for release from the self-imposed creative restrictions. The speaker acknowledges that without the fixation and limitations, nothing they create feels precious or valuable. This could suggest that they have become so accustomed to these restrictions that without them, they struggle to find meaning or purpose in their work.

The repeated lines of "Deny, Kept in chains, Fly, Run away" encapsulate the core conflict of the song. The speaker longs to deny their chains, to break free from the constrictions that hold them back, and to escape into a state of liberation. The use of the verbs "fly" and "run away" illustrate the urgency and intensity of their desire for freedom. The imagery of chains and leashes represents the physical and psychological restraints that confine the speaker, keeping them captive.

The closing lines, "With chains on my back, I fly, Deny, Kept in chains, Fly, Run away," encapsulate the emotional journey and determination of the speaker. Despite the constraints that weigh them down, they find the strength within themselves to soar despite the burdens they carry. The repeated chorus lines reiterate their desire to break free and escape their captivity.

The deeper meaning of this song could be interpreted as a commentary on the creative process and the struggle to unleash one's full potential. It speaks to the inherent conflict between embracing limitations and seeking freedom from them. It suggests that while limitations can provide a necessary structure for creativity, they can also become stifling and burdensome if not consciously examined and challenged. Ultimately, "Captive" encourages the listener to question their own limitations and strive for liberation and self-expression.