| Dark Moor – The Hanged Man Lyrics | 16 years ago |
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From the tarot expert Waite, in the of The Hanged Man major Arcana tarot card: "The gallows from which he is suspended forms a Tau cross, while the figure--from the position of the legs--forms a fylfot cross. There is a nimbus about the head of the seeming martyr. It should be noted (1) that the tree of sacrifice is living wood, with leaves thereon; (2) that the face expresses deep entrancement, not suffering; (3) that the figure, as a whole, suggests life in suspension, but life and not death. It is a card of profound significance, but all the significance is veiled. One of his editors suggests that Éliphas Lévi did not know the meaning, which is unquestionable nor did the editor himself. It has been called falsely a card of martyrdom, a card a of prudence, a card of the Great Work, a card of duty; but we may exhaust all published interpretations and find only vanity. I will say very simply on my own part that it expresses the relation, in one of its aspects, between the Divine and the Universe. He who can understand that the story of his higher nature is imbedded in this symbolism will receive intimations concerning a great awakening that is possible, and will know that after the sacred Mystery of Death there is a glorious Mystery of Resurrection." |
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| Interpol – Leif Erikson Lyrics | 16 years ago |
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This song explores some pretty deep themes, and I think it's important to read between the lines, especially with this album. For example, I think it's clear from the context that he is referring to more than one female. Furthermore, this song operates on multiple levels - I think on the surface it is a song about relationship, but there is a deeper layer of meaning here. Remember Paul Banks studied English and Comparative Lit at NYU, which I can only imagine included a wide range of study of symbolism and meaning in literature throughout the Western tradition, especially (that's the whole point of comparative lit, really, you need to understand what they're talking about before you can compare things) This song makes me have this weird impression of a viking funeral - not because of the title of the song, but the line: "I'll bring you when my lifeboat sails through the night" - my lifeboat? Imagine putting a man on a small wooden boat, covering it with wood and flammable pitch (tar) and then pushing it off to sea. An archer with a flaming arrow would then light the ship on fire. Grave offerings would be made and these items would typically be the man's tools or sword, things he would need in the next world. This is especially noteworthy because earlier in the song he says, "The clock is set for nine but you know you're going to make it eight All the people that you've loved they're all bound to leave some keepsakes" People who knew him are leaving him keepsakes to take with him to the next world, so it's appropriate that lyric is placed first. If you want to keep going with the Norse mythology thing, consider the line about the clock. It's repeated in the song. The Norse sea goddess Rán was heavily tied into themes of death and eroticism. She and her nine daughters would drag sailors to their death in the sea. Fun synchronicity even if it doesn't mean anything. Also, the lines about being hooked up and fed, and swinging, imply swinging upside down for some sort of prey (in this case the female). This is the exact imagery used in the major Tarot card known as The Hanged Man. The next card in the deck is Death. The Hanged Man waits, and may realize that he can do nothing, so he is patiently waiting for the next step. A famous Tarot expert, Robert Waite, said of The Hanged Man: "I will say very simply on my own part that it expresses the relation, in one of its aspects, between the Divine and the Universe. He who can understand that the story of his nature is imbedded (sic) in this symbolism will receive intimations concerning a great awakening that is possible, and will know that after the sacred Mystery of Death there is a glorious Mystery of Resurrection." I could go on, but that's enough for one comment. I don't need people to agree or disagree with my interpretation since it is personal and subjective, but maybe it can help give others another perspective or angle through which to approach this truly great song. |
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