Diva

Tarja's song 'Diva' is a powerful anthem of self-empowerment and liberation. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who has endured emotional turmoil and manipulation but has ultimately emerged stronger and more self-assured. The opening lines, 'We can laugh at it now / I don't mind all the burning daggers,' suggest a sense of resilience and the ability to look back at past hardships with a sense of detachment and strength. The imagery of 'burning daggers' and 'turning the blade on you' indicates a reversal of power dynamics, where the protagonist has taken control of their own narrative.

The chorus, 'Oh, how does it feel? / Now when there's no way out / You married your own Hell / Couldn't get out of your own mind,' speaks to the consequences faced by the antagonist, who is now trapped in their own mental and emotional turmoil. This shift in power is further emphasized by the line, 'Now I have the key / Out of the downwards spiralling conspiracy,' symbolizing the protagonist's newfound freedom and control over their destiny. The repeated invocation of 'Diva' serves as a declaration of self-worth and confidence, reclaiming the term often used to describe a powerful and commanding woman.

The song also delves into themes of betrayal and self-discovery. Lines like 'When you chiselled your scene / So delusional, almost got me / Started to question my sanity / 'Cos of you' highlight the manipulative tactics used by the antagonist to undermine the protagonist's sense of self. However, the protagonist's journey towards self-realization and empowerment is evident in the lines, 'I've been tasting the salt / Couldn't stand all the rats on board / I walked down the plank as the curtains fell down / On you.' This imagery of walking the plank and the falling curtains signifies the end of a toxic chapter and the beginning of a new, liberated life.