Mercenary
Soen
Crowning Vultures: A Reflection on Legacy and Belief
Soen's song "Mercenary" delves into the themes of legacy, belief, and the consequences of societal and personal choices. The lyrics paint a picture of individuals who are shaped by hatred and division, symbolized by the "mask of dishonour" that conceals their scars. This imagery suggests a world where people are born into conflict and are forced to navigate a landscape of betrayal and dishonesty. The song questions the listener's willingness to stand by their beliefs, even when it means turning away from vanity and facing the harsh realities of their actions.
The repeated phrase "Crowning vultures into kings" serves as a powerful metaphor for the elevation of those who thrive on chaos and destruction. It highlights the irony of how society often rewards those who exploit and manipulate, rather than those who uphold integrity and honor. This metaphor is further emphasized by the call to "bleed for your belief," challenging individuals to remain true to their values despite the allure of power and vanity. The song's narrative suggests a cycle of betrayal and the struggle to maintain one's legacy in a world that seems to forget its past.
The song also touches on the idea of generational responsibility, as it speaks to the "fate bound to the ones who fell in the shadow of your grace." This line suggests that the actions of one generation have lasting impacts on the next, and it questions whether society can ever truly learn from its mistakes. The haunting repetition of "Will we ever find a way to never forget" underscores the urgency of remembering and learning from history to prevent the repetition of past errors. Soen's "Mercenary" is a poignant reflection on the complexities of human nature and the enduring struggle to uphold one's beliefs in a world that often rewards the opposite.