My Body Is a Cage Lyrics
My body is a cage that keeps me
From dancing with the one I love,
But my mind holds the key
My body is a cage that keeps me
From dancing with the one I love,
But my mind holds the key
[Verse 1]
I'm standing on a stage
Of fear and self-doubt
It's a hollow play,
But they'll clap anyway
[Chorus]
My body is a cage that keeps me
From dancing with the one I love,
But my mind holds the key
[Interlude]
You're standing next to me
My mind holds the key
[Verse 2]
I'm living in an age
That calls darkness light
Though my language is dead
Still the shapes fill my head
I'm living in an age
Whose name I don't know
Though the fear keeps me moving,
Still my heart beats so slow
My body is a cage that keeps me
From dancing with the one I love
But my mind holds the key
[Interlude]
You're standing next to me
My mind holds the key
My body is a...
[Verse 3]
My body is a cage
We take what we're given
Just because you've forgotten,
That don't mean you're forgiven
I'm living in an age
That screams my name at night,
But when I get to the doorway
There's no one in sight
I'm living in an age
That laughs
When I'm dancing
With the one I love,
But my mind holds the key
[Interlude]
You're standing next to me
My mind holds the key
About
“My Body Is a Cage” is the contemplative final track of Arcade Fire’s 2007 sophomore album, Neon Bible. The drum beat in the background beats like a heart’s pulse, and the baroque-like backing pipes create an intense listening experience.
Lead singer Win Butler’s weary voice leads the song like a light in the mist, letting you take a dive into Butler’s personal issues. In the words of NPR,
One part soulful ballad and one part philosophical dilemma: If he and only he is responsible for his freedom, then why the hesitation? Why not go barreling straight into freedom?
The song gained popularity recently after being featured in an episode of HBO’s Euphoria, and was also featured in a TV spot for the 2008 film, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
Q&A
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning
- 1.Black Mirror
- 3.Neon Bible
- 4.Intervention
- 9.Windowsill
- 10.No Cars Go
- 11.My Body Is a Cage