Meaning of "King" by TesseracT

"King" delves into the dynamics of power, control, and oppression within human relationships. The lyrics illustrate a conflict between the powerful figure of a king and the narrator, who is subjected to the king's reign. The opening lines suggest that the person the narrator once relied on has died within them, leaving them feeling empty and lost. The boatmen mentioned can be interpreted as the metaphorical guides who transport the narrator's emotions and thoughts down a river of uncertainty.

The narrator expresses feeling bound up by visions of a blind man, a symbol of the king's ignorance and unwillingness to see the consequences of his actions. The phrase "I operate this way," implies that the narrator has grown accustomed to turning nothing into something valuable, but also suggests a strong sense of resilience.

The lyrics then turn their focus on the king, depicting him as someone who indulges in his power and status ("You dine like a king on top of the world"). However, the king's actions have a detrimental impact on the narrator's psyche. The reference to words being able to "kill and maim and take their toll" highlights the emotional damage caused by the king's words and actions, as they massacre the narrator's dreams and eat away at their thoughts.

The chorus presents a desperate plea for freedom and a call for the king's domination to come to an end. The lines "Bow down, submit to me, and kiss the ground / Until it's safe to breathe and coexist again" reveal the narrator's longing for a time when they can reclaim their autonomy and live without fear.

The repetition of the phrase "They're taking away the freedom to be just you" emphasizes the loss of personal identity and the stifling effect of oppression. Despite this, the song suggests that there is still hope, symbolized by the line "But the sun always shines for you," which implies that even in the darkest times, there is a glimmer of positivity and possibility.

Overall, "King" conveys a message about the destructive nature of power and control and the desire for self-expression and freedom in the face of oppression.