The Joke
Freedom's Dilemma: Unveiling the Soul's Price in Deanna Sorenson's 'The Joke'
Lyrics
And I can't even look at you
The speaker avoids making eye contact with someone.
When you're on the run
The person in question is on the run or escaping from something.
So close to the boy you were
Despite the escape, there's a proximity to the person's past self.
So far from the man I love
However, they feel emotionally distant from the person they love.
Am I the only one
Expressing a sense of isolation or being the only one feeling a certain way.
Who's had enough
The speaker has reached a point of saturation or exhaustion.
I just can't bear to lay my sword down
Unwillingness to give up a metaphorical "sword," possibly representing strength or defense.
The cost of my freedom
Reflecting on the sacrifices made for personal freedom.
The cost of my soul
Weighing the emotional cost of one's actions on their soul.
Would it hurt so terribly
Considering the potential pain of letting go and embracing vulnerability.
To let myself go?
Questioning the difficulty of allowing oneself to be free.
But I can't do it alone
Acknowledging the need for support or companionship in this journey.
Am I the only one
Feeling unique in resisting a conventional celebration or toast.
Who won't raise a toast
Choosing not to participate in a celebratory gesture.
Am I the only one
Remaining unaffected by habits like smoking.
Who doesn't need a smoke
Not being part of something others find amusing or enjoyable.
Am I the only one not in on the joke
Expressing a sense of being an outsider to a shared experience or understanding.
I just can't bear to be out of control
Resistance to losing control or surrendering to vulnerability.
At the cost of my freedom
Reiterating the reflection on sacrifices made for personal freedom.
The cost of my soul
Repeating the consideration of the emotional cost on the soul.
Clarity when you need it
Seeking clarity in a situation, perhaps for understanding or resolution.
But none for the road
No guidance or clarity provided for the journey ahead.
And I can't bear it alone
The speaker emphasizes the inability to face challenges alone.
The cost of my freedom
Revisiting the theme of sacrifices for personal freedom.
The cost of my soul
Repeating the contemplation of the soul's cost for freedom.
If it's once will it change me
Questioning whether a single instance of change can transform the speaker.
To someone I don't know
Contemplating if change will lead to an unfamiliar self.
Or will it act alone?
Pondering if change will occur independently or with external influence.
Don't drink, don't smoke
List of abstentions (drinking, smoking) highlighting a different lifestyle choice.
What do you do?
Pose a rhetorical question about alternatives when avoiding traditional vices.
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