In “Steel Umbrella”, PLATITUDES embarks on a contemplative journey probing emotional resilience and the burden of the world. The metaphor of “a steel umbrella” serves as a metaphorical defense which shields him from life’s pressures. The lyrics of the song draw deep contrasts depicting a night and a day where the artist experiences a certain shift in his ability to function reflecting the oscillation of internal vulnerability with life outside.

The lyrics open with the artist describing the night as a cloak of heaviness which feels suffocating both physically and emotionally. The phrase phrased “my limbs feel like lead” using figurative language captures the extent of exhaustion, mental alongside physical exhaustion. It becomes evident, however, that the night and the exhaustion which comes along with it has a greater purpose and resting within this umbrella affords the sense of shelter makes him metaphorically restless. The umbrella thus becomes a sheltering mechanism shielding him from life’s grim battles. It’s a poignant remark of how at times people need something like emotional fortitude or external boost to help them weather life’s storms.

Changing from night to day is like a special renewal for the artist which metaphorically “re-borns” him with the arrival of dawn. The artist seems to embrace a new identity each day and the phrase “cold blood turning warm” hints at a revitalization of sorts. The image of wearing a dress or “uniform” speaks to the assumption of another persona as he dons his ‘human’ identity. This shift portrays the artist’s deep conflict – his navigation between his true self and the self that society expects. It captures the fragility of being human and the sensitive equilibrium of being true to oneself and the myriad masks one is required to put on.

The quote “I’m a strange thing in the morning” gives meaning to the fact that the artist feels out of place and disconnected when not sheltered by his steel umbrella. This alienation is deepened as he mentions the “hardening” process and learn to “look…like any other human.” The artist knows that while he does not feel like a human, they have learned to conceal their persona and adapt in order to survive, which is characteristic of a personistic society that demands expectations. There is a strong feeling of contemplation on the sociological phenomenon named identity repression.

The lyrics shed light on the armoring of emotions that is vital for survival while ”keeping a storm” at bay— the umbrella serves as an unyielding rubistar. It suggests that the artist appears potent and self-sufficient but, in reality, the effort needed to maintain this facade is overwhelming. They are at constant war defending life’s barrage, and the line “it takes so much to be so strong” says it all beautifully. To uphold this shield— to fortify oneself during the wrath that is bound to occur— is both burdensome and relatable. In a world that tolerates no weakness, the artist depicts who cannot physically support the emotional endeavor. It becomes so evident that a relentless need of strength is the crux of exhausting oneself enables you to shield the storm that rages inside. While the claiming metaphor serves the purpose of showcasing the incessant battle that granting fortification places you in.

The incorporation of metaphor and imagery is done so powerfully that in PLATITUDES one captures the war within oneself and ardour as well as outer forces demanding refuge. It awakens the humanity lying dormant, suppressed and beneath layers of exhaustion born out of relentless expectation, renewal ease and uplifts the spirit. By depicting the siege of the spirit, the artist battles into the balance artfully emerges and with debilitating strength away from the umbrella featuring steel folds which turns to be the emblem and thrust of the emotional armor shielding plastic being blunted sunflower shields and barriers we withstand each day bear the broken edges becomes bursts face in a striking manner.