Meaning of "The Price" by Leprous

The lyrics of "The Price" by Leprous convey a sense of inner turmoil and the difficulty of overcoming personal struggles. The opening lines, "Piercing, piercing his eyes / Scars you can't see / Cutting, cutting profound / Places you don't want to be," suggest that the protagonist carries deep emotional scars and is trapped in a painful and undesirable situation. These scars are invisible to others, emphasizing the hidden nature of the protagonist's struggle.

The repeated line "Behind / The struggle has ended / Damaged mind / Already descended" indicates that the protagonist has reached a point where their struggle has come to an end, but their damaged mind remains. This could imply that a past traumatic event or ongoing mental health issues have taken a toll on the protagonist, leaving them in a state of damaged mental health.

The lines "Climbing a mountain / Crossing a sea" symbolize the arduous journey the protagonist embarks on to find a solution to their struggles. It emphasizes the enormity of the task at hand, highlighting the effort required to overcome their personal demons. However, the following lines, "Behind / The struggle has ended / Damaged mind / Acting out / Striving to make me secure," suggest that despite their damaged mind, the protagonist is determined to find security and stability.

The imagery of the gutter separating the protagonist from the rain and their presence on a hill, tough and alone, reinforces a sense of isolation and alienation. The line "Perfectly filling his desolate throne" suggests that the protagonist has become accustomed to and possibly even comfortable in their desolation. This could indicate a sense of resignation or acceptance of their difficult circumstances.

The final lines, "Friendly betrayal / Somber delight / Treating his tumor / Without a fight," offer a contrasting mix of emotions. The phrase "friendly betrayal" suggests a sense of betrayal by someone close, potentially indicating that the protagonist's struggle may have been worsened or caused by someone they trusted. The "somber delight" implies a paradoxical pleasure or satisfaction found in addressing the protagonist's issues, despite their difficult nature. By treating their "tumor without a fight," the protagonist may be trying to face their problems head-on, even if it requires unconventional methods or sacrifices.

Overall, "The Price" explores themes of hidden pain, personal struggle, isolation, resilience, and the lengths one may go to find security and peace in the face of a damaged mind.