What Else Can I do (Isabela's Villain Song)

Lydia the Bard's song, 'What Else Can I Do (Isabela's Villain Song),' delves into the emotional turmoil and rebellion of a character named Isabela, who is suffocated by the unrealistic expectations and demands of her family. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who has been forced to suppress their true self to fit into a mold created by others. The opening lines, 'Never do the unexpected / Stand up straight / Stick it through,' set the tone for a life lived under constant pressure to conform and uphold family honor, even at the cost of personal happiness and well-being.

The song uses powerful metaphors to illustrate Isabela's internal struggle and eventual liberation. References to 'a hurricane of Jacarandas' and 'strangling figs and hanging vines' symbolize the chaotic and suffocating environment she has been trapped in. The imagery of a neglected flower that wilts and fades until its color drains away poignantly captures the loss of her true self. The repeated assertion, 'My life is mine to do with as I choose / I owe nothing to you,' signifies her breaking point and decision to reclaim her autonomy.

Isabela's journey is one of self-discovery and empowerment. She confronts the toxic dynamics within her family, recognizing that their demands have stifled her growth and potential. The song's climax, where she declares, 'You're weak and you're helpless / To stop me destroying you,' marks her final act of defiance. By the end, Isabela emerges as a stronger, more self-assured individual, ready to shine on her own terms. The song resonates with anyone who has felt the weight of others' expectations and the liberating power of breaking free from them.