Apocalypse

It’s a beautiful song, but the lyrics are quite troubling as implied in the title. The Greek meaning of Apocalypse is “revelation” or literally to uncover something hidden. But in English it normally refers to prophetic, eschatological destruction of the earth associated with Christ’s return. This English meaning is due to the connection of these themes in book of Revelation (“Apocalypse” in Greek). We’ll see that both basic meanings (revelation and final destruction are likely implied).

The song starts out with this destructive, apocalyptic scene of crumbling bridges, city scapes turning to dust, and helicopters falling from the sky.

What causes this destruction? “Your lips, my lips, apocalypse”. It could signify the destructive nature of words, but it quite obviously signifies destruction ensuing from the revelation of forbidden love expressed in a kiss.

This kiss allows us to tease out this double meaning of Apocalypse because it not only causes destruction but uncovers something hidden a long time.

Now things are going to get interesting... and frankly, a little disturbing.

Apparently this passionate moment exploded after many years of mutual, pent up sensual desire.

This long-lasting tension is signified in phrases like, “since you were kids”, “locked in here forever”, and “haunt me”... not even death itself will solve this dilemma. This line is particularly artistic because “haunt me” is quite paradoxical. Who makes such an invitation?

And now we can start to uncover the secret...

The apocalypse is the destruction of their world, their environment, their home... their mutual home. Mostly likely, they are step-siblings.

The boy’s mother married the girl’s father after the girl’s mother died. The artist has to change some pronouns to keep things relatively hidden, but this is implied in the verse,

“Sharing all your secrets with each other since you were kids. Sleeping soundly with the locket that she gave you clutched in your fist...”

The boy and girl grew up together, and they were extremely intimate. He knows her secrets, he knows her sleeping habits, he knows her psychology, he knows her soul.

Apparently they had a lifelong crush which was finally uncovered and destroyed everything.

The “filming helicopters” may symbolize the fact people are watching, even during such a turbulent scene. The girl leaping from the bridge may signify her bailing on the relationship once it was uncovered.

But he knows she still wants him. Not only is this directly stated, “I know you want me” but also “you got the music in you baby, tell me why!” He thinks she still wants her.

Meanwhile, she’s putting lovers in a “hallowed piano” — something with a semblance of an instrument but actually a dark, physical and emotional space, devoid of “the music” which is the part of him she carries inside her.

And in a last artistic maneuver, the song ends... and then returns with this last verse. He’s not giving up, even after the death of their relationship, even after the Apocalypse. He’s waiting for his chance. Wow, hopefully we’ll hear what happens next!