"The Prisoner" by Howard Jones tells the story of a person who feels constantly watched and trapped by the eyes of someone with a camera. The narrator has been observed from a distance, while they themselves have been longing for connection and security. The lyrics suggest that some people believe photographs have the power to capture one's soul, and the photographer in this song has succeeded in capturing the narrator's essence. The narrator feels like a prisoner without any confidence or control over their own life. They have become consumed by the presence of the photographer and their constant vigilance. The eyes of the camera feel invasive, draining the narrator's energy and leaving them feeling exposed and vulnerable. The lyrics imply that the photographer's constant surveillance affects the narrator both during the day and at night. The image of the photographer's negative burning behind their waking eyes suggests that the impact is persistent and haunting. The night becomes a time of fear, as the photographer stalks their prey and captures their essence once again. The narrator's plea to the photographer is to take control and make them whole. This could be interpreted as a desperate desire for resolution, either to break free from the constant surveillance or to establish a meaningful connection with the photographer. The narrator feels incomplete without the photographer's presence, despite the discomfort it causes. Overall, the song explores themes of invasion of privacy, power dynamics, and the longing for connection, all through the metaphor of a photographer's watchful gaze.
