Read on Twitter
why the walls music video gives me a breakdown on a regular basis
a thread
a thread
L had so much creative control over his music videos, which I think is important to note. He has stated that the Walls music video is intended to walk through different moments in his life.
The video begins with L walking through a barren desert. He appears from an unknown location and we do not see where he& #39;s going. This conveys that L is in the midst of a journey.
In literature and film, deserts often symbolize obstacles and harsh reality. The isolation associated with the emptiness of the desert, as well as its lack of life and vegetation leaves this feeling of hopelessness, yet clarity.
L is shown seated high up on a wall in this desert. This scene is an ode to his inspiration Oasis and their “Live Forever” music video.
Still, the shot on the wall coincides with themes of isolation. He’s stranded, alone (not to mention, the song is literally called "Walls”).
Still, the shot on the wall coincides with themes of isolation. He’s stranded, alone (not to mention, the song is literally called "Walls”).
L is wearing a sweater titled “Memory of a Label.” Throughout his career, L has always been given labels and branded a certain way. the sweater can convey the idea that he& #39;s breaking free from this image, he& #39;s not the person the media has painted him out to be.
However, L had to have been working toward leaving syco for a long time. I like to think that the sweater could be in reference to him leaving his label, as this was a monumental step in his career. Syco will be a fading memory as L moves on to bigger and better things.
L faces himself in the mirror. Symbolically, mirrors have numerous meanings- yet the most widely known is that mirrors hold the truth.
L once questioned his identity (hence his multiple reflections). Yet now, he is bravely facing who he is and accepting what the mirror holds.
L once questioned his identity (hence his multiple reflections). Yet now, he is bravely facing who he is and accepting what the mirror holds.
In his journey through the desert, L enters a door (and the walls promo pic was L in a doorway). This can be interpreted differently, but I see it as him entering a new stage in life. This stage served as a "point of no return", given that there& #39;s an entrance but no exit.
The room on the other side of the door is very reminiscent of a stage, with its red curtains and flooring. I think it’s meant to play into the idea that not everything is as it seems- whether that be the industry, the headlines, things done for PR sake, etc.
L is in the bullseye of a target while straight couples dance around him. This scene purposely has multiple meanings, but to sum it up:
L doesn’t have freedom like the others. He is the target of criticism, target of the media headlines, and always has prying eyes watching.
L doesn’t have freedom like the others. He is the target of criticism, target of the media headlines, and always has prying eyes watching.
The dancing couples are sort of mocking L, parading around him while he lays there helplessly. He can’t do anything but submit to his situation he& #39;s trapped in.
He& #39;s the only one alone, the only one not smiling, the only one without a dance partner. Take it as you will.
He& #39;s the only one alone, the only one not smiling, the only one without a dance partner. Take it as you will.
In the next scene, L is trapped in a sea of masked, hooded figures washed in red lighting. The masks can symbolize several ideas.
They might represent L’s inner demons. Instead of running and hiding, he’s facing the very struggles that once held him back.
They might represent L’s inner demons. Instead of running and hiding, he’s facing the very struggles that once held him back.
These are the exact masks used in the “We Made It” director’s cut video, where The Boss tells the boys to just “put your fucking mask on.”
This ties back to the idea that not everything is as it seems. In his career, L was told to act a certain way and play someone he’s not.
This ties back to the idea that not everything is as it seems. In his career, L was told to act a certain way and play someone he’s not.
This scene parallels, yet juxtaposes H’s “Lights Up” music video. H is dancing among a crowd of men and women. He& #39;s happy and free. It& #39;s green (lively)
In contrast, L is struggling to move forward in a crowd of masked figures, evil industry people, a sea of fakes. It& #39;s red (mad)
In contrast, L is struggling to move forward in a crowd of masked figures, evil industry people, a sea of fakes. It& #39;s red (mad)
Back to the mirror scene, there are now clouds of smoke drifting by. The term “smoke & mirrors” derives from magical illusions (magic tricks) which are manipulations of the truth.
L is surrounded by smoke & mirrors, by deception. A warning sign that not everything is as it seems
L is surrounded by smoke & mirrors, by deception. A warning sign that not everything is as it seems
L is standing in front of a burning wall, which I think this is straightforward: he& #39;s burning down the barrier he once had to put around himself. Not only is he letting his guard down, but he& #39;s also ending the labels, the fake media stories, the misconceptions.
1D was a huge part of L’s personal journey, so gives his thanks. The boys, the fans, all of the behind the scenes we don’t know about. It all played a role.
Yet now, L has made a name for himself. He isn’t on stage with the boys anymore, he’s now playing with his own band.
Yet now, L has made a name for himself. He isn’t on stage with the boys anymore, he’s now playing with his own band.
