Meaning of "Steel Bars" by Michael Bolton

"Steel Bars" delves into the theme of being emotionally trapped in a toxic or futile relationship. The imagery of steel bars symbolizes the barriers and constraints that prevent the narrator from breaking free from the chains of love that bind them to another person. Despite the desire to run and hide, the overwhelming emotions and attachment keep them locked up inside. The lines "Every damn step I take, every desperate move I make" highlight the desperation and struggle to find solace or freedom. The repetition of being a prisoner and bound forever emphasizes the sense of entrapment in a love that may not be healthy or reciprocal. The ending lines suggest a resignation to the situation, acknowledging that time and love itself may have lost their meaning in the face of such emotional captivity.