Salem's Suburbs
Unveiling Scarlet Identity: Project 86's Revelatory Anthem
Lyrics
They put on disguises today
People are wearing disguises today.
To hide the scarlet letters
They are concealing the symbolic marks of shame.
That each of us has put so far away
Each individual has distanced themselves from their own guilt or sins.
In this which trial
Refers to a contemporary trial, suggesting a judgment or examination of society.
Modern day
Describes the trial as happening in the modern day.
Despite this it seems that the powers be
Despite efforts to hide, it appears that those in power have determined the speaker's identity.
Have decided who I am
There is a perception that authorities have already decided who the speaker is.
And who I will be
They have also predetermined the speaker's future identity.
Who I am who I'll be
Repetition of the theme of predetermined identity, questioning personal agency.
Has been decided for me
Reiteration that the speaker's identity has been decided without their input.
And they don't even know me
Expresses frustration that those making decisions about the speaker don't truly know them.
As they pounded in the stake
Refers to the act of pounding in a stake, possibly symbolic of persecution.
I thought I heard them say
The speaker hears a threat or warning as the stake is being pounded in.
"Become like us or you will be slain"
Pressure to conform: "Become like us or face consequences."
You can't tell me who I am.
The speaker rejects others' attempts to define their identity.
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