POLYXENA
06 / 16

Slaves Like Us

For the kidnapped girls

Lyrics

To wake up beside a stranger
Who killed your husband,
Dragged you onto his ship
The man ruined your life.
Made you a thing
That should obey
You’ve been a queen
Now you’re just one of many
Just one of many

I pitied these “poor strangers”
And realised they’re slaves like us!
I thought I’ve been born free
And woke up in a trap like them!
Could anyone please turn the tide?
Could anyone please turn the tide?
I realised they’re just like us.

Some say that he protects you
Your rapist is a handsome guy
Their people’s hero.
“Romance” they gossip.
What a sick opinion!
You’ve been a free,
A mighty, lucky woman
Now, now you’re just one of many
Just one of many

I pitied these “poor strangers”
And realised they’re slaves like us!
I thought I’ve been born free
And woke up in a trap like them!
Could anyone please turn the tide?
Could anyone please turn the tide?
I realised they’re just like us.

Once we were free
Beloved, lucky women
Now we’re just like many
Just like too many
Just like too many
Just like so many

About this song

After the fall of Troy, the surviving women are divided among the Greek victors and forced into lives of captivity. Stripped of their homes, families, and freedom, they are expected to accept their fate—even to see their captors as protectors. The song rejects this illusion and gives voice to women reduced to spoils of war. As they recognize their shared vulnerability, they discover a painful solidarity: regardless of rank or origin, war can turn any woman into property when power prevails over humanity.

Credits

Music: Christian Mair
Lyrics: Anna Luca Poloni

Vocals: Anna Luca Poloni
Guitar, programming: Christian Mair