My Own Prison

A very deep embodied meaning is seen through these lyrics. One that outlines the malicious hate & discontent formed in our society. Using the parable of an innocent man cast into the depths of hell - against his will - he cries out for help in desperation for what he lost, for God to save him. Ultimately finding that his persecution is seen as his own doing because his faith, in himself and inability to denounce his heart - his meaning; keeps him there. This progression clearly seen in the first verse,

"A court is in session, a verdict is in No appeal on the docket today Just my own sin"

Unannounced to him, there's hate in the wind. Others decided a fate, destroying his life for no reason other than seemingly out of the coldness of theirs. He sarcastically states there's nothing left but " my own sin" signifying that he's human, as if to describe "why". But the sin of any average person would not amount to such a horrible condemnation, or so you'd think. Yet it becomes a firm description of humanity, both alone & dark, hateful & sparked. Insinuating that those who committed this act are in the process of creating their own prison at the same time.

"The walls are cold and pale The cage made of steel Screams fill the room Alone I drop and kneel"

The narrative continues by describing the prison in which he's found. A description of the psychological and spiritual battle that ensues following a loss so great.

"Silence now the sound My breath the only motion around Demons cluttering around My face showing no emotion"

Silence is all that's left, his light, his purpose taken away. He is still & quiet, questioning existence, hearing only his breathe and the sounds of demons walking among him - yet no fear of the torture, just disbelief. He continues by describing himself as shackled by this loss, losing sight of what matters, losing hope, losing faith. Out comes to a point that so much time has passed, his skin begins to burn as he gives up on life and into the demons around him.

"Shackled by my sentence Expecting no return Here there is no penance My skin begins to burn"

(And I said oh) So I held my head up high Hiding hate that burns inside Which only fuels their selfish pride (And I said oh) All held captive Out from the sun A sun that shines on only some We the meek are all in one

So what does he do? While he may not accept where he is, he does hold on to the meaning inside him. Refusing to give in - He holds his head up high, hiding the hate & resentment that burns inside - which only fuels their selfish pride. Describing himself as weak, crying out to all who are held captive like him.

I hear a thunder in the distance See a vision of a cross I feel the pain that was given On that sad day of loss A lion roars in the darkness Only he holds the key A light to free me from my burden And grant me life eternally

God has sent a message, thunder in the distance, visions of the cross; understanding the pain that was given to carry our burdens & loss - hearing the lion - Aslan - God - roaring in the distance, holding the key and shining the light to set him free. It is here that it becomes clear, this prison isn't of his own doing, but of others - where the continuation of it is being used as a tool to teach, to understand, to strengthen - the faith that has been lost.

Should have been dead On a Sunday morning Banging my head No time for mourning Ain't got no time

Should have been dead On a Sunday morning Banging my head No time for mourning Ain't got no time

(And I said oh) So I held my head up high Hiding hate that burns inside Which only fuels their selfish pride (And I said oh) All held captive Out from the sun A sun that shines on only some We the meek are all in one

Yet he doesn't get it. So he continues his cry to god for freedom - being told that he's "created his own prison" - which is simply a statement of his lack of faith. Have faith. Have faith is Gabriel's true statement here.

I cry out to God Seeking only his decision Gabriel stands and confirms I've created my own prison I cry out to God Seeking only his decision Gabriel stands and confirms I've created my own prison

(And I said oh) So I held my head up high Hiding hate that burns inside Which only fuels their selfish pride (And I said oh) All held captive Out from the sun A sun that shines on only some We the meek are all in one

(And I said oh) So I held my head up high Hiding hate that burns inside Which only fuels their selfish pride (And I said oh) We're held captive (I created) Out from the sun (I created) A sun that shines on only some (I created) We the meek are all in one (I created my own prison)

Should've been dead on a Sunday morning Banging my head No time for mourning Ain't got no time

The repetitive chorus makes a statement - that no matter what - the only way is forward. Never give up on true meaning that sits within you. Never denounce your love, never turn your back. When hate comes knocking, when demons come walking - hold your head up high and keep on walking. Have faith & Never Give up. Cause, well, you should've been dead - but you aren't.