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Bright Eyes – I Believe in Symmetry Lyrics 16 years ago
long long long time visiter of this site, first time commenter.

firstly, i believe this song is a reference to Epicurus' theory of symmetry. when each living thing dies, it reverts back to a state of unconsciousness, the same state it was in before birth. the theory holds that any other sort of afterlife is impossible because it is incongruent, asymmetrical.
i think that the song holds this theory true, though it is difficult to accept that a time will come when he must leave, when he must die ("when i really wanna stay...")

secondly, he addresses the fact that all other creatures are not self-aware as we are. we understand mortality and this wounds us every day. the insect "never stops to accept his fate". because he is ignorant, it is easier to see the beauty in his death without mourning it. each death leads to a new beginning, not in the sense of an afterlife, or any continuation of consciousness, but merely gives way to new life, which in itself is beautiful.

"The argument for consciousness
The instinct of the blind insect
Who never thinks not to accept its fate, that's faith
There's happiness in death
You give to the next one
You give to the next on down the line
You give to the next one
You get to the next on down the line"

not quite sure how to connect those thoughts, or if they even apply, but there it is.

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