Song meaning of 最後の巨人 (Saigo no Kyojin) by Linked Horizon

"最後の巨人" (Saigo no Kyojin) by Linked Horizon is a powerful and introspective song that delves into themes of freedom, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of truth. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world filled with walls and conflict, where individuals yearn for something more and are willing to go to great lengths to achieve it.

The song begins with a sense of longing and a desire to escape, as the protagonist's outstretched hand is stained by the twilight. They express a longing to go somewhere and in their haste, they inadvertently trample over others. This sets the stage for the exploration of the complexities of freedom and its consequences.

In the first verse, the lyrics describe a dreamer who aspired for freedom, only to become a slave to their own desires. They bid farewell to countless "hearts" and transform into a bird dyed crimson. This imagery suggests that their pursuit of freedom has come at a great cost, leaving behind a trail of death and destruction.

The second verse speaks of a path littered with corpses, symbolizing the consequences of conflict and the relentless march forward. Despite the chaos and the earth trembling beneath their feet, the protagonist continues to move forward, undeterred.

The pre-chorus introduces a sense of waiting in the twilight, rooted like a tree, for someone. This longing for connection and companionship is juxtaposed against the chorus, where the protagonist asserts that they are not slaves and have been free since birth. They challenge others to stop breathing until the truth becomes reality, highlighting the futility of empty words and false righteousness.

In verse three, the lyrics describe a cruel world within the walls, where even if one tries to escape, they are pursued by the setting sun and stripped of their wings. The protagonist yearns for love but deceives it in the name of self-preservation, becoming accustomed to shock and despair. Despite being demonized and scorned, they express a desire to remain under the same tree, longing for connection and understanding.

Verse four acknowledges the sentimentality of these emotions but encourages acceptance and swallowing them whole. If one wishes to level the world's forests, they must first topple that tree. This suggests a willingness to confront and overcome sentimental attachments in order to achieve a greater goal.

The chorus reiterates the pain born from human desires and the cyclical nature of sin. The protagonist declares that they alone are at fault and that the last titan can scream in solitude. This line signifies a personal acceptance of responsibility and a desire to break free from the cycle of pain and guilt.

The bridge reflects on the past, where dreams and encounters intertwine with farewells, and looks towards the future. It poses the question of what kind of flowers will bloom in the spring of a thousand years later, hinting at the possibility of renewal and growth.

The final chorus emphasizes the individuality of the characters, proclaiming that they were never companions from birth. They wear falsehoods and illusions until their attack becomes an invasion. The lyrics urge others to step aside and continue moving forward, even if they get lost along the way, until they are rewarded. The song concludes with the voice of Mariana Inoue stating that "he" has eradicated the titans from this world, suggesting a triumphant resolution.

Overall, "最後の巨人" (Saigo no Kyojin) by Linked Horizon is a thought-provoking song that explores the complexities of freedom, sacrifice, and the pursuit of truth. It delves into the consequences of one's actions and the longing for connection in a world filled with walls and conflict. The lyrics are rich in imagery and emotion, inviting listeners to reflect on their own desires and the choices they make in pursuit of their own freedom.