I would also agree that “Trophy” is intended in a sexual context. However, rather than interpreting a rape theme I perceive the song to be a story of prostitution. To me the young protagonist is coerced by the “Wrong pair of hands” into a world where her “Trophy” is sold “for much less than it is worth”. The queen and court jesters are the Pimps and punters respectively.
The protagonist encourages the “creatures of mercy” (whomever they maybe) to shoot down the people who have entombed her within this world and to ultimately set her free. This is symbolised by the return of her trophy.
When I got my trophy back
It took some time
To polish it to gold from black
And shoot the lion
When I put it back inside
And locked the door
A trophy of mercy
Is a trophy no more
The polishing is an attempt at some sort of cleansing of the conscience, an attempt to return virtue perhaps, but it seems to be too late. The victim is so traumatised by her ordeal as a prostitute she vows to become celibate. I have no idea why she is shooting lions though.
I would also agree that “Trophy” is intended in a sexual context. However, rather than interpreting a rape theme I perceive the song to be a story of prostitution. To me the young protagonist is coerced by the “Wrong pair of hands” into a world where her “Trophy” is sold “for much less than it is worth”. The queen and court jesters are the Pimps and punters respectively.
The protagonist encourages the “creatures of mercy” (whomever they maybe) to shoot down the people who have entombed her within this world and to ultimately set her free. This is symbolised by the return of her trophy.
When I got my trophy back It took some time To polish it to gold from black And shoot the lion When I put it back inside And locked the door A trophy of mercy Is a trophy no more
The polishing is an attempt at some sort of cleansing of the conscience, an attempt to return virtue perhaps, but it seems to be too late. The victim is so traumatised by her ordeal as a prostitute she vows to become celibate. I have no idea why she is shooting lions though.