What is the meaning of the song from rush - animate?

Answer 1

I think it means a talk between the "Anima" and the man.

It refers to Carl Jung's "Anima" theory, which explains the process by which a man represses aspects of his psyche which are traditionally associated with femininity. These traits comprise, among others, sensitivity, compassion, submission, gentleness, and expression of feelings.

You're certainly aware that as we live, we are taught that some behaviors aren't appropriate for for men and some actions are inadequate for women. Those teachings drive a (bi-)polarization of gender behavior, wherein the two poles lie the most stereotypical "manly" and "womanly" role models.

So, after gender socialization has occurred, the sum of all repressed facets forms in the man an inner, silent character, called "Anima" (latin for "soul"). It's in that light that the song may mean a talk between the Anima and the man.

In the starting chorus ("Polarize me...") and some other verses ("Alter in my image /

Struggle for control"), the Anima asks the man for further taming. Most of the song describes the Anima ("Sister to the boy inside of me"). The final and longest part (from "My counterpart" on) poses some challenges for the man ("A man must..."), things like "... learn to rule his tender part" and "... learn to gently dominate.

The song also makes a pun on the verb "to animate", in the verse "Animate me".

(I hope it helped and it's not too far off. BTW, I'm not a psychologist, so forgive any inaccuracies.)