Castle

"Castle" serves as the powerful opening track to Halsey's debut album, Badlands, and functions as a metaphorical gateway into its dystopian concept, which represents her own mental state. The song is a defiant anthem about challenging established power structures, particularly the patriarchy, and claiming one's own space and authority. Halsey has clarified that the 'old man sitting on the throne' is not a specific person at her record label but a broader symbol of patriarchal control, the voice that tells women they should be less 'mean' and 'keep [their] pretty mouth shut' rather than be assertive and outspoken. The 'castle' itself symbolizes the pinnacle of success and power, especially within the music industry, which she is determined to reach on her own terms. The journey is portrayed as a battle, acknowledging that 'if you wanna break these walls down, you're gonna get bruised,' highlighting the resistance and struggle inherent in challenging the status quo.

The narrative begins with a profound sense of exhaustion and frustration with the public eye. The singer is overwhelmed by the constant chatter, the incessant noise of opinions, and the blinding flashes of cameras that demand a perpetual state of poised perfection. This relentless scrutiny feels suffocating, a weight that is both a source of pride and a chokehold. There's a raw, almost self-destructive vulnerability expressed in the imagery of an open neck, metaphorically 'begging for a fist around it,' suggesting a desperate desire to feel something real amidst the artificiality, or perhaps to simply end the pressure. This internal conflict is a heavy burden, one she feels there is no point in lamenting because it is a self-imposed consequence of her ambition.

This ambition is crystallized in the song's central declaration: an unwavering march towards 'the castle.' This castle represents the pinnacle of success, power, and control, likely within the music industry. It's a position others—'they'—want her to occupy, to crown her their queen. However, this ascent is not a simple coronation. It is a direct confrontation with an established, archaic power structure, symbolized by an 'old man sitting on the throne.' This figure is the embodiment of the patriarchy, a voice of authority that criticizes her for being 'mean' and demands she 'keep her pretty mouth shut.' His words represent the societal expectation for women to be agreeable and silent, especially when challenging the status quo. Her journey to the castle is therefore an act of rebellion, a refusal to be silenced or softened for the comfort of those in power.

The repetition of the 'Agnus Dei' (Lamb of God) chant in the pre-chorus adds a layer of solemn, almost sacrificial weight to her quest. It could imply that this path to power is a heavy burden, a form of self-sacrifice for a greater cause, or perhaps it's an ironic commentary on being set up as a savior or a martyr in a corrupt system. The kingdom she is set to inherit is described as being 'locked up,' suggesting that the power she seeks is not freely given but must be taken by force, breaking down barriers and shattering old paradigms.

The song builds on this feeling of conflict, acknowledging that the path to dismantling these structures—'breaking these walls down'—will inevitably lead to getting 'bruised.' It is a recognition of the pain and resistance that comes with fighting for one's place. The narrative is one of gritty determination, fully aware of the costs but undeterred. The final, repeated march towards the castle, despite the old man's dismissive warnings, solidifies the song's core message. It's a powerful statement of intent, a declaration of war against the oppressive forces that seek to control her narrative and limit her power. She is not just entering the industry; she is storming its gates, ready to claim her throne on her own terms, regardless of the bruises she might sustain along the way.

"Castle" was written by Halsey (Ashley Frangipane) and the producer Peder Losnegård, known as Lido, who was the executive producer for her debut album, Badlands. Halsey wrote the song in her parents' basement in New Jersey after being inspired by watching an action movie with a strong female protagonist. She specifically wrote it with the hope that it would be used in a film. The song was recorded in 2014-2015 as the opening track for Badlands, which was released on August 28, 2015. Her wish for the song came true when a re-recorded, more orchestral version was created for the 2016 film The Huntsman: Winter's War. This new version, featuring strings arranged by James Newton Howard, was released as a single on April 9, 2016, and was used prominently in the movie's trailers and soundtrack.

The rhythmic structure of "Castle" is powerful and deliberate, characterized by a driving, almost martial beat that propels the song forward and reinforces its themes of marching toward a goal. The tempo is steady and forceful, creating a sense of inevitable procession. The rhyme scheme is relatively simple and effective, primarily using couplets (AABB) in the verses (talking/noise, flashing/poised), which makes the lyrics direct and impactful. The chorus follows a similar structure (queen/mean, locked up/shut). This straightforward rhyme scheme enhances the song's anthem-like quality, making it memorable and easy to grasp. The lyrical rhythm often works in tandem with the percussive elements, with Halsey's delivery emphasizing the downbeats, giving the lyrics a percussive, punchy quality that underscores her defiant message.

Musically, "Castle" employs a dark, cinematic, and militant electropop style. The production by Lido features heavy, stomping percussion, deep bass synthesizers, and an ominous atmosphere that builds in intensity. The track incorporates a choir chanting 'Agnus Dei,' which creates a dramatic, quasi-religious tension against the modern electronic beat. Halsey's vocal delivery is a key technique; she moves from a breathy, weary tone in the verses, expressing her exhaustion, to a powerful, commanding, and resolute voice in the chorus, reflecting her determination. The re-recorded version for The Huntsman: Winter's War amplifies the cinematic quality with a full orchestra, adding sweeping strings and brass that heighten the song's epic feel. Lyrically, the song uses direct and confrontational language ('I'm headed straight for the castle') and vivid, violent imagery ('begging for a fist around it,' 'you're gonna get bruised') to convey the intensity of her ambition and the struggle involved.

"Castle" achieved significant cultural recognition, largely due to its association with the 2016 film The Huntsman: Winter's War. The re-recorded, more orchestral version of the song was featured prominently in the film's trailers and soundtrack, exposing Halsey to a wider mainstream audience. The song's themes of female empowerment and challenging patriarchy resonated strongly, and it has since been regarded as a feminist anthem by many fans. While it was the fourth single from her debut album Badlands, its cinematic adaptation gave it a unique legacy within her discography. The album itself debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart. "Castle" has also been featured in several television shows, including The Royals and iZombie. Halsey's performance of the song at the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize Concert, accompanied by a full orchestra, further cemented its status as one of her signature epic, powerful tracks.

"Castle" is rich with symbolism and metaphors that construct its narrative of defiance.

• The Castle: The central metaphor representing the goal of ultimate power, success, and control, particularly within the male-dominated music industry. Halsey is 'headed straight for the castle,' signifying her unwavering ambition.
• The Old Man on the Throne: This figure is a clear symbol for the patriarchy and established, outdated authority. He represents the societal forces that try to silence assertive women by labeling them as 'mean' or telling them to be quiet.
• The Crown/Queen: While being made 'their queen' seems like the objective, it's presented with a sense of reluctance. It suggests being put on a pedestal by a system she intends to overthrow, making her ascension a form of Trojan horse to seize control from within.
• Agnus Dei: The repeated Latin phrase for 'Lamb of God.' This religious reference can symbolize a sense of sacrifice or martyrdom. It implies that her path to power is a heavy burden, or that she is being positioned as a sacrificial figure meant to appease the masses, a role she simultaneously accepts and subverts.
• Noise and Flashing Cameras: These represent the overwhelming and suffocating nature of fame and public scrutiny. Halsey expresses being 'sick of all this noise,' highlighting the internal struggle that accompanies her external ambition.

The most significant recurring phrase in the song is the chorus line, "I'm headed straight for the castle." This declaration is the song's central thesis, repeated to emphasize unwavering determination and ambition. Its repetition acts as a powerful mantra of intent. Another key recurring element is the depiction of the "old man sitting on the throne" who delivers patronizing advice. His repeated warnings ('shouldn't be so mean,' 'keep my pretty mouth shut') serve as the primary antagonistic voice that Halsey continually defies with each repetition of her goal. Musically, the chant of "Agnus Dei" is a haunting motif that recurs in the pre-chorus, building tension and adding a layer of solemn, sacrificial gravity to her mission before the explosive release of the chorus. The motif of being "sick of all this noise" also frames the song, appearing in the opening verse to establish the internal frustration that fuels her external fight.