"Caved In" by Hollow Front is a song about living in a nightmare and feeling trapped in darkness. The lyrics portray a sense of confusion and fear, questioning whether the protagonist is awake or stuck in a never-ending dream. The feeling of being chased by something unknown adds to the atmosphere of suspense and unease. The song touches on the theme of constantly being let down by life, with the protagonist feeling like every time they think they are safe, something proves them wrong. This constant disappointment leads to a feeling of isolation and longing for an end to the misery they have been experiencing. The lyrics also express a transformation in the protagonist's character. They talk about anger flowing through their veins and polluting their soul, changing them into a beast that cannot be erased by time. This anger is fueled by broken promises and serves as a reminder of the pain they have endured. The protagonist recognizes that they are not the person they once were, indicating a loss of identity. A shadow is mentioned in the lyrics, symbolizing a looming darkness that hangs above the protagonist. It is described as feeding on their will to live and following them until their grave. The pain inflicted by others, possibly referring to a specific person or situation, is what allows this shadow to thrive and survive. The protagonist tries to find someone to blame, including themselves, but deep down, they believe they were too good for the source of their suffering. They bottle their pain away and let their anger consume them, as it seems to be the only way to cope with the harsh reality they face every day. In the end, the lyrics suggest that if the pain and broken promises continue to haunt them, the protagonist will reach a breaking point. The imagery of striking a match and burning represents the potential self-destruction that may occur if they can no longer handle the emotional turmoil. The line "I am the monster that you made" conveys the idea that the protagonist has been shaped and distorted by the negative experiences inflicted upon them. Overall, "Caved In" explores themes of pain, loss of identity, anger, and the struggle to maintain one's sanity in the face of relentless darkness.
