The Depressing Reality of Dreams of an Absolution

In yesterday's video I mentioned that Silver's theme song 'Dreams of an Absolution' from Sonic 06, has what some may consider to be a depressing reality behind it.
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#silverthehedgehog #sonic06 #dreamsofanabsolution

[@SpeedstersUnited]

Do you empathize with Silver the Hedgehog? Let me know below! Click here to become a Speedster! -> KZbin.com/SpeedstersUnited Click here to join the Community Discord server! -> discord.gg/fBs3KHRwrH

[@DLGanimator]

Yes, I do. By your explanation, Silver reminds me my friends that have troubles in their lives. I feel just like Blaze the Cat to my friends. I really wish I could help them, but I can't do it myself. Sorry if this feels random from me, I just need to somehow throw a stone from my heart.

[@YorigamiSisters]

There's a beautifully poetic aspect about Silver being forever hopeful for the future despite being from said dystopian future itself.

[@nickyogurt]

Silver is the goat

[@YorigamiSisters]

@@nickyogurt hell yeah

[@LordTyph]

when you're at the bottom, the only way left to look is up.

[@YorigamiSisters]

@@LordTyph 🔥🔥🔥📜✍️

[@SpeedstersUnited]

@@LordTyph Words to live by!

[@MonyXChan]

Well. The song writer Bentley Jones has explained why he wrote the lyrics are the way that they are: “Originally, I wrote "Dreams" about a bad ex-boyfriend who wanted to get back with me, and I couldn't shake off the past, and I was in this weird grey area that I didn't know if I wanted to move forward together anymore.” Just a lil fun fact.

[@SpectacleSpark]

As canon as this is, I'm still hella confused on how this was made as a song about an ex boyfriend- Like, how does this make any sense. At this point I don't question anything really since it'll only confuse me even more

[@robertwalpole5376]

@@SpectacleSpark Gay people exist, SpectacleSpark.

[@thecreativeambition9365]

@@SpectacleSparkAs someone who listens to Bentley Jones’ other music, I simply see this as a starting point to get the right emotion for the song. Artists are able to start with something like this, and transform it into something new. Dreams is vague enough to where you can interpret the song in any way you want it too, whereas some of Bentley Jones’ other works are a little more direct. The vagueness could be Bentley’s personal choice, or a recommendation from SEGA so the song could fit the character more directly.

[@SpectacleSpark]

@@thecreativeambition9365 or again I can just decide to not question anything lul

[@NanamiVNemisis]

ab·so·lu·tion noun formal release from guilt, obligation, or punishment. "absolution from the sentence"

[@DeadnyMaster]

I saw a headcanon of Silver that consist on that black marks around his eyes are because of him being extremely tired because lack of sleep... So sad

[@lordkinesis4432]

Thankfully, he's a known zen. He turned to meditation to help his health balance out with lack of sleep.

[@utopian4769]

It's interesting to me that Silver and Sonic's themes both reference Mephiles' involvement in the plot despite Shadow being the most involved with him, yet his theme doesn't say anything about Mephiles. Like you said, "All the preachers all with their lies" refer to Mephiles tricking Silver into believing Sonic was the catalyst for Iblis' awakening. "Intergalactic continental champ running things, hyperactive instrumental and pulling strings." No doubt is about Mephiles' true nature as the mind of a divine being along with him manipulating everything behind the scenes. All Hail Shadow is about Shadow being resolute in his convictions and whichever path he chooses to pursue. I guess you could say that he "defines his own destiny." But yeah, Dreams of an Absolution definitely has a melancholy feel to it despite sounding upbeat. I hope in the newer games they start giving Silver and Blaze the treatment and attention they deserve.

[@SpeedstersUnited]

I hope so too, considering everything mentioned in this video, I think there's a lot of substance for a prequel game to Sonic 06 about Silver and his backstory.

[@indigorose6527]

I feel like the upbeat feeling of the song despite it being sad is a great way to describe silver. It shows even in the darkest times, he has hope for a better tomorrow.

[@OwOIord]

Probably because all hail shadow was made for shadow the hedgehog 2005 before mephiles existed

[@darkgenics]

The sonic part was partially true, he was essentially the trigger for Elise to start crying which makes Iblis comes out.

[@HksjJkdkd]

Even in the current canon (since 06 is like a pradox timeline split thingy) the song almost has the exact same meaning. Silver returns home to see it destroyed, go back in time to change it but returns home to see his world destroyed for a different cause almost like an endless cycle. Which must have a detterioating effect on his mental health tyring and trying and trying but nothing changes about his doomed World.

[@LordTyph]

Probably keeps hope, knowing that, at the very least, the last change stuck. It's like making the light bulb, he's finding multiple ways to not make a good futute... but he only needs to find the one that works.

[@thorshammer7883]

Dreams of an Absolution is a song that would be befitting of other tragic characters including other time traveling characters with dark experiences. Like Link from Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time, Subaru Re Zero, Future Trunks Dragon Ball, and a few other time travellers I know from other series who share such sorrow and shoulder overwhelming burdens.

[@murraymurphy1298]

People love to say that Blaze started in the alternate world and then went to Sonic '06's future... but I really think that all readings of the text make it more clear that she started IN that future, and was flung to the parallel world, wherein all memory was lost as it was of a time that no longer exists. And in turn, Iblis, who was inside her, was turned into the Sol Emeralds (and with Frontiers suggesting that the Chaos Emeralds are the remains the the Ancient's god, that theory holds up MUCH stronger now).

[@thatquietasianguy9582]

That’s “IT’S NO USE” was pretty out of pocket bruh😭😭

[@user-Abdullah232]

WORKING HARD

[@BlazeNextGen]

Honestly the whole reasoning I love this song is exactly that. Bentley Jones captured this so well that it feels like that it´s Silver singing it. Another thing to add to this song (while I know SEGA has removed the ages of each Sonic character) Silver was 14 years old, of course he would suffer hard trauma, what 14 year old witnesses their best friend sacrificing themselves just to save the future?

[@SpeedstersUnited]

Regardless of the fact SEGA got rid of the canon ages for the characters, I still see them as those ages. Which is why ships involving Tails or Cream the Rabbit are incredibly frowned upon and disgusting.

[@BlazeNextGen]

I like to believe it has something to do with the japanese culture in which there is problematic content created with extreme age gaps, hence why SEGA removed it in the first place, because let´s be honest no one looks up at the ages (unless you see the character designed in a certain underaged way) of a certain character if you leave out the shipping that is

[@Brabbs]

When were ages removee?

[@acetorthewarriord8018]

I personally interpret it a little differently. It is quite a sad song, but it retains a hopeful message in my eyes. "And I might know of our future" - Silver is from the future, so he knows what it is like. "But then you still control the past." - I always actually thought this was him talking to every character from the past, not just Blaze. "Only you know if you'll be together, only you know if we shall last." - This, combined with the last line, feels like Silver telling everyone that *his* future depends on *their* actions in the present, and only *they* can make the right choices so that they can all live happily together. Obviously, though, you are not wrong about it also speaking of Silver's misery. Just the name "Dreams of an Absolution" is depressing. Absolution is to be relieved of pain, suffering, or guilt. Silver dreams of being released from the hellish life he lives, since it's mostly just suffering. He wants a better life and tries to keep up hope that that can happen. You're also not wrong about it saying it's no use trying the change the past to fix the future... kinda. See, he realizes that the way he was doing it was the problem. He thought that if he just killed Sonic (the Iblis trigger) then it'd fix the future, but, obviously, Sonic ended up being the world's best hope against Solaris. Silver realized that it's pointless to try to change the past, himself, but everyone can try to make the present as good as possible. It depends on the people of the present to determine the future. As I said, still a sad song about Silver's misery and suffering in the future, but also shows his strong will and hope for a better life.

[@ZenithintheMaking]

Silver's existence in the franchise is to put into words, uncanny. None of us can properly say what's his current backstory. They aren't trying to fix this issue. I wish that they fix his background and make it heart reaching and concise soon. 🤍

[@SpeedstersUnited]

Yeah absolutely, that's the problem with him being sidelined in most of the games he has been in since 06, he's always underutilized.

[@Alejandro333777]

Fast friends

[@shelbybayer200]

His theme song kind of tells us what his Story is about. He's always from a Damaged Future, what caused it is always different for each Future. As for Blaze, She's actually not dead. 06 technically comes before/After Sonic Rush As Blaze for some reason remembers "Blue Hedgehog" The Blaze in Sonic 06 is technically the Blaze from Rush So, She's both Alive & Dead ? No, What actually happened is a person of Royal Blood has to Seal Iblis and go to Another Dimension

[@SonicShadowSilver178]

I love Silver the hedgehog

[@Floofypan]

What impeccable timing! Just the other day, I finally sat down and _tried_ to read and understand the lyrics as I listened to this song as I was on the bus. Granted, the one I listen to is primarily the LB vs JS remix, so the original's opening section was mostly lost on me until this video. As I was reading the lyrics, there were hints to the song being more depressing than what I initially thought, and with English not being my first language, I had to look some up (specifically "absolution" and "valor"). But the full message of how tragic the song is lost to me as I did not link it to Silver's backstory so I was mostly very confused on what the song was trying to tell me. I did understand that the song refers to Silver wanting to be absolved from perhaps guilt, obligation or punishment as referred to by the google definition of "absolution" but as I said, I never quite caught on to what it is. With this video, I now understand better on what the song is trying to tell me on Silver's tragic character. :,,,) Thanks for the video! I love listening to other people breakdown the meaning to a song's lyrics sometimes as it's fun to hear their thoughts on the matter. And more often than not, I would adopt some of their views when I listen to the music again. But at the same time, sometimes all is ignored for the sake of just jamming to the song as it's just so good, hahaha. If you've made it this far... ahem, I do apologise that I've wrote this long thing to you. It's just what I do. :,,,) Thanks for the video and thanks for reading this far. ❤

[@SpeedstersUnited]

Glad you enjoyed it! Also yes, the LB vs JS remix is my favorite remix of Dreams of an Absolution. (Also no worries for the long comment!)

[@Floofypan]

@@SpeedstersUnited It's my favourite too! (replying to the bracketed section) And thank you. ^^

[@SaiyanGamer95]

I think I had a different interpretation of the lyrics and how they relate to Silver. "All your troubles, are they all what they seem?" refers to Silver believing Sonic is the Iblis Trigger (of course, it's not as he seems) "And I might know of our future" as Silver comes from the future (obviously) "If you were able, would you go change the past" Silver going back in time to change the past, saving his future. "We can all try to change the past" Sonic, Shadow, and Silver affecting the past (past relative to them, as well as Silver's) "Happiness lies trapped in misery" Iblis is sealed and the future is saved, but Blaze, his best friend, is gone "I will dream" Silver dreaming of a brighter future. "And every night I will come to you" Silver coming to Blaze, Sonic, and his friends for help "But every night it just stays the same" Silver and Blaze constantly fighting Iblis, nothing changing, no matter how many times they defeat him.

[@Ms3queen]

Excellent video! I do have a few pointers, though. - Technically, it was left up for interpretation as to whether Blaze died or not. Recently, one of the creators (I forget which one) said that she did not die, but she did get sealed into the newly-created Sol Dimension. In other words, 06 is a prequel to Sonic Rush, at least in this part. - “But then you still control the past” is about Blaze, a little bit, but it also is about Sonic and all our other present-day friends. To a lesser degree, it is slightly referential to Eggman and Mephiles. Basically, Silver is acknowledging that he has no control over the past, as much as he may wish to help change it. - “Every night, I will save your life” is also only partly about Blaze. It’s also about the people we don’t see who Silver has saved or tried to save, and then later, after Shadow educates him, about Elise and Sonic. Aside from that, you have very accurately understood the messages in the song, and understood Silver!

[@floofycupkim1197]

My baby boy needs a hug

[@haonneogip4740]

To Blaze's credit, her sacrifice wasn't in vain. While the future was still ruined, Ibis (in their time at least) was sealed away. But Silver is trapped in a future full of hope, but at the cost of Blaze's life, forced to life with his own regrets.

[@DjVinny23]

Dreams of an absolution is my favorite piece of video game music ! It was already a song I really liked when it came out but after going thru a really bad time in my life and going on a journey to rediscover myself. The depressing sense of reality but still remaining hopeful thru it is insanely relatable, that there is still a life to live after going thru something so hard. Not so bad for a theme of an under utilized Sonic character 😂

[@gamemaster2819]

I think another notable thing about Dreams of an Absolution is this. Just like the Adventure titles, the character themes play in certain cutscenes (though this time, they are more cinematic versions with orchestras). Just like the Adventure games, Sonic and Shadow's play at moments where they show off their awesomeness. Then there's Silver's. The theme is more soft in these cutscenes and instead of playing when Silver is doing something awesome, it plays during his tough choices as he contemplates things. First, when Amy's words make Silver wonder if killing someone for the sake of the world is the right thing to do. And then again when he can't bring himself to send Blaze into another dimension.

[@polyamorousyandere8104]

Still my favorite sonic game in the whole series, mate i just cried watching this video, brings me back to my ex. Thanks for making this video.

[@crimsonzone8984]

Thank you for explaining us about this song's message or meaning. I highly appreciated. I would like Silver to have proper world building and have his existence, time travel and timeline in sonic explain. It seems to be exclusive in 06, as the following games don't really lean in to Silver that much other than just being a character from the future that traveled here only to be doing whatever Sonic and friends are doing. Rivals1&2 gave him a poorer reintroduction with a less ambitious yet more jarring story. And while the comics did something to the character, he's replaced by an impersonating uwu softboi rando.

[@SimplyDuker]

Silver is such an underrated character. He may not be as famous and well-exposed as Sonic and Shadow, but he's very memorial in his own ways. His theme song further solidifies his uniqueness and character. In fact, personally, said piece of music actually introduced me to him and then, subsequently, connected characters like Blaze.

[@seantaylor424]

That's an interesting look at the song. Iblis was taken out of the equation, but that still leaves Silver alone (or at least friendless, if there are other people alive and we didn't see them) in a barren (albeit, recovering) world. The idea of Silver having constant dreams of saving Blaze is heartbreaking.

[@franklinreed7614]

I've said it before, but Dreams of an Absolution (especially the JS remix) is the most Kingdom Hearts pre rendered cutscenes sounding song I've ever heard in my entire life. It sounds almost romantic with its instrumentation, while the lyrics provide an underlying tone of tragedy. (I'm commenting this before watching the video to give my initial thoughts) Edit: (after watching the video) Silver is a pretty tragic character, and his theme reflects it perfectly. Sure we have the silver from Rivals, but this guy is kinda just here forever, alone in a literal hell on earth. I wanna see a version of Sonic 06 where Silver is the sole survivor or Iblis, and he meets Blaze in the past as princess of Soleanna, and the game turns into a romance story between those two, and the ending credits theme is a much less depressing and more happy reprise of Dreams of an Absolution.

[@Aiden_King99]

Shadow and Silver pretty much share the title of best character for me for the same reason. Both underwent and were affected by serious trauma which I very much relate to. I favour Shadow slightly more nowadays but Silver is a photo-finish second. Blaze (specifically from the Rush duology) would be a close third for similar reasons; tho less trauma and more the “having to carry the world on your shoulders ‘cos you feel it’s your responsibility to do so” part of her character. Totally a franchise solely for young children 🙄 so much deep stuff.

[@rayanekarouch6088]

Wow, no wonder they retconned this...glad that Silver is time hopping now and now he's just in the present with friends after he saved the future but he still keeps being sad , dude needs to lighten up

[@inkchariot6147]

The sky returned to normal, but the ravaged earth and magma remains.

[@ShaimingLong]

I'm a little late here, but unless I'm mistaken, Dreams of an Absolution wasn't written to be Silver's theme. It's kind of a 'will they, won't they breakup' song that was licensed for use in the game. The way the lyrics line up to Silver and his story is cool, but that's more of a creative coincidence than by design.

[@Ilikesceptile11]

I wouldn't say that silver's ending is COMPLETELY sad, just more bittersweet. Because while he loses his only friend, his world (pun intended) is finally saved

[@lordkinesis4432]

You know what's kinda great about this song? If you ignore Silver's lore, the message is actually pretty happy and positive.

[@just_viben07]

And people often bash silver as a character for being gullible because he listened to memphis when really silver was just desperate for a change

[@gamemaster2819]

No one put themselves in his shoes. It's especially annoying with the double standard when Knuckles was fooled just like Silver. Eggman took advantage of a guardian who was wary of strangers. Mephiles took advantage of someone desperately seeking answers and finally getting them.

[@just_viben07]

@@gamemaster2819 bro exactly

[@Nin_the_Shinobi]

Silver needs to be Nero(devil may cry) mixed with Spider-Man 2099 in terms of personality and relevance. He needs to be that for the sonic universe. That's the way I would handle the character if I could

[@user-vf1ch5qh1g]

i actually never thought of it like that oh god

[@luigitime9592]

so, this whole thing can be summed up by "silver has depression due to everything he lost"

[@scnbadguy5012]

I miss Sonic's cast man, they all had so much style and flair I hope Sonic frontiers' third update's sucess can brings us more of the sideline cast Like Silver, Blaze, The Chaotix and Etc. It's been so long since we gotten something out of them

[@lennsaturday5566]

While I agree with your interpretation in general, my take away comes from the fact that the song itself doesn't sound as triumphant or edgy as Shadow and Sonic but rather DOAA is upbeat and almost inspiring. I agree that the lyrics of the verses are reflecting on Silver's past traumas and his insomnia due to that but the chorus in my opinion speaks more to his optimism and nativeté as the youngest where things could be better in "his dreams of an absolution" where in that he may be reminded of all that stuff but he can always dream of something better and in turn do better. The only reason I feel more positively about the meaning of the song is because of the last bit that goes: "And you'll see (And you'll see) What you'll be (What you'll be) And you'll see (And you'll see) **All you can be, oh (All you can be, oh)** (key lyric here) 'Cause every night ('Cause every night) And every night (And every night) And every night (And every night) I will dream (I will dream)" It almost sounds like hes trying to prove it to himself that he can make things better and the past is there to remind him of why hes doing what hes doing for the greater good. Great video! :)

[@repeekyraidcero]

Imlove this song, as it was used in a very lovely RyuuseiNoRockman (SubaruXSonja) AMV

[@portalwake9762]

Well... I probably shouldn't have watched this. I loved that song just purely because of the tune, it gave me an endorphin rush every time I listened to it (my autism means I can get excited from simple things) but now I know the true meaning I like it less. That is really sad, you're right, Silver does deserve better. Thanks for the explanation though btw, I've wanted to know what the song was talking about for a while!

[@thorshammer7883]

Such is the unfair cruelty of the concept of time travel in fictional verses even if the rules it functions under is different within the verse's cosmology laws. Alot of time traveling characters seem to have alot in common with Silver and Future Trunks when it comes to deep agonizing sorrow, lament, and shouldering overwhelming burdens that simply should not be. The Doctor, Homura Akemi, Subaru Natsuki, Seongjun Lee, and the varies Links in Legend of Zelda especially for the trauma the Link from Ocarina of Time force to be a weapon as a child to a adult to then forcibly turn back to a child again. A means to a bitter end. Dreams of an Absolution goes well with each of them. Wouldn't it be better for their verses if Time was linear and written as recorded history and in a absolute unchanging state.

[@ele4nt]

amazingly analysed, amazing video

[@fikridroid]

I just found out that Silver's name was inspired by the idiom 'silver lining'

[@CarlosRosario-ee5gf]

Happy 400 subs! Also great vid

[@SpeedstersUnited]

Thank you so much!

[@PGbutalsofourteenplus]

His voice actor confirmed the song is inspired by a breakup he had with his boyfriend in real-life yes ( Silver is bisexual)

[@1SingularGrape]

You wanna know why silver is so depressing? *BECAUSE SEGA FREAKING HATES HIM.*

[@deepakorni4407]

You know this song has really a depressing meaning but this was on sonic 06 now silver does not have this problem right? This would've been more depressing if i found this song in 2006

[@HksjJkdkd]

Well the canon IDW Comic would differ. Silver returns home to see it destroyed, go back in time to change it but returns home to see his world destroyed for a different cause almost like an endless cycle. Which must have a detterioating effect on his mental health tyring and trying and trying but nothing changes about his doomed World.

[@BlackHermit]

Your voice sounds a lot like SmoughTown!

[@amd110gamer7]

So to explain that all up... No matter what they do in the past... It wont change the future... Think about it... When Iblis got sealed within elise... He cannot break free only if 3 of these things happened: Elise died... Which is maybe the reason why everything is still the same... Even after elise was saved from the crash Elise cried... Which was the rule that was made to keep Iblis sealed... As we saw how Iblis was free when Elise cried at the at the last episode Unsealing Iblis from Elise... Which maybe that was Eggman's plan from the beggining.. Which wasnt gonna work since Iblis is pretty destructive... So yeah... And Blaze's sacriface was nothing to save the future... Only that Iblis is now gone... But the chaos and the mess isnt... And Silver is still forced to stay at that hell... No way to fix this mess... No way to return it back to normal... No way to prevent the event from happening... A bad sufferage ending... Luckily our hero wasnt gonna end up like this... Since now after the flame of solaris extinguished... The future became normal back again... Maybe with a small memory from that eternal prison... But finally with the ability to live in peace...

[@einnocent421]

I know the history behind, but well done!

[@mustavengemario]

Can I hug him

[@kazicama8161]

Who did the song cover/remix that plays in the background?

[@SpeedstersUnited]

It's the LB vs JS remix of the song pitched down.

[@Dragonessette1778]

What the song at the very beginning of the video? It's a remix but what's it called?

[@AdsSilver18]

Dreams of an Absolution JL Vs JS Remix

[@TheAfro-Head]

Off topic but.. what are the songs playing in the background while you're talking?

[@SpeedstersUnited]

LB vs JS Remix of Dreams of an Absolution

[@FierceDietyLink100]

well to be fair 06 never happened but also blaze probably is not in silver modern version future but its also not a hellscape but He still friends somehow with sonic and friends and stop an robotnik rulled future