With “Cages, ” Evan Scott Olson delivers a powerful and timely anthem that. cuts straight to the heart of America’s immigration crisis. The track opens with stark imagery—an honest man doing prison time whose only crime was trying to feed his family—immediately establishing the human cost behind political rhetoric and policy.
The song’s narrative structure moves with cinematic precision, painting scenes that feel both intimate and universal. From the borderlands to suburban neighborhoods, the lyrics trace the ripple effects of systemic injustice with unflinching clarity. The recurring refrain “Can you hear them calling / Wanting us to let them through” serves as both a literal plea and a moral challenge to listeners.
What sets “Cages” apart is its refusal to retreat into despair. The bridge’s call for a “brand new deal” pivots toward hope without sacrificing the song’s emotional weight. The line “Compassion isn’t hard to feel / It’s stronger than a gun” transforms the track from protest song into something more profound—a meditation on the choice between fear and empathy.
Musically, the composition allows the lyrics to breathe while maintaining an urgency that mirrors its subject matter. This isn’t music for passive listening ; it’s a call to conscience that demands engagement.
“Cages” positions Evan Scott Olson as an artist unafraid to tackle the defining issues of our time, proving that meaningful songwriting and accessibility aren’t mutually exclusive.
In an era when many artists shy away from direct political commentary, “Cages” stands as a reminder that the best protest music doesn’t just chronicle injustice—it imagines a way forward.
