Аз избрах (Az izbrah)

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of someone who has faced relentless hardship, with fate repeatedly slamming doors shut. The narrator acknowledges a history of betrayal, deception, and near-destruction, noting that these experiences are not new. Friends have abandoned them, and romantic relationships have come and gone, yet they've persevered, stating, "Жив съм досега" (I'm alive so far). The central tension arises from the contrast between the narrator's outward projection and their inner reality. While others perceive them as living freely, spending money, and effortlessly navigating relationships, the narrator reveals a hidden struggle: "Вътре в мен какво ми е" (What's inside me). This internal world is guided by a learned reliance on their heart, which they trust not to betray them, suggesting a deep-seated need for self-reliance. The most striking element is the defiant embrace of life, particularly in the chorus. The act of "слагам черни очила" (putting on black glasses) signifies a deliberate choice to shield themselves and project an unshakeable image, daring anyone to stop them. The imagery of "огъня във кръвта" (fire in the blood) and holding life "на нокти" (by the fingernails) conveys a fierce, almost desperate vitality. This isn't passive survival; it's an active, chosen state of being "жив" (alive) and, crucially, "Аз избрах да съм щастлив" (I chose to be happy). This defiant happiness is what makes the lyrics resonate. It’s not about the absence of pain or struggle, but the conscious decision to find joy and purpose amidst it all. The bridge reinforces this by accepting hardship ("Нека боли, нека греша" - Let it hurt, let me err) as long as progress continues. The assertion that what they've taken is theirs, and what they've given is also theirs, points to a hard-won self-possession, a powerful statement of agency forged through adversity.