There are two major themes in the VIDEOS for these songs, which is childbirth and religion, namely Jesus Christ in particular. This leads me to think that it tells the story of Mary giving birth to Jesus Christ. At the same time, however, I suspect that the videos are also about the life of Jesus, including his crucifixion and resurrection.
In regards to its video, N is most certainly about food. Jonna Lee is made to look like a fish with capers on a platter of lettuce and tomatoes. Also, there are cups of milk everywhere in the forest, and at one point there are two big suction-cup nipples on Jonna's breasts. Clearly, there is a theme of Breastfeeding in this video with the milk.
The theme of food is also continued in the lyrics, with "sharpen your knives, watering mouths, Clean your plates for some tender I."
Finally, in the end of the video, we see Jonna (or someone) covered head to toe in what looks like giant empty plastic baby bottles. While the baby bottles obviously reference breastfeeding and providing for one's baby once again, it also can be a reference to how MUCH goes INTO providing for one's baby. Adding to that, the cups of milk in the forest are extremely high in number. The theme of excess is present in this video as well.
One must not forget the religious aspect of this song and video, however. I believe that "N" also acts as a reference to the Last Supper of Jesus Christ. This is shown in the video with how Jonna Lee is dressed up like a fish on a platter: A common thing to eat in biblical times.
The lyrics go more in depth with the image of the Last Supper. While the mention of knives, whatering mouths, and plates make the "supper" part evident, the aspect of the Last Supper in which Jesus Christ tells his disciples that one of them has betrayed him, and will cause him to be killed on the crucifix is shown in the lyrics: "It's storytelling time" "Tell me how the story ends now" "Come wallow in my sorrow" "Breathe your air into my lungs" "What hides in teh shadow?" and "My worst fear is real life" all emulate the themes of betrayal, not knowing who has caused Jesus' demise, and everyone's love and reverence for Jesus himself.
For a pictorial aide, just look at Leonardo Da Vinci's "The Last Supper" painting: The "wallowing in [Jesus'] sorrow" is apparent as everyone seems outraged a his pronouncement that someone at the table there has betrayed him. "What hides in [Jesus'] shadow?" everyone asks. Hearing this news of Jesus' imminent death is everyone's "worst fear [becoming] real life."
Those aren't baby bottles in the video. I think it refers to the fact that Mandrakes grow in waste places. That's why I feel like she has things in the videos like a crown and scepter made of foil, and the gown of plastic bottles (though not baby bottles).
Those aren't baby bottles in the video. I think it refers to the fact that Mandrakes grow in waste places. That's why I feel like she has things in the videos like a crown and scepter made of foil, and the gown of plastic bottles (though not baby bottles).
I don't see a religious aspect in this song...at all. =/
I don't see a religious aspect in this song...at all. =/
There are two major themes in the VIDEOS for these songs, which is childbirth and religion, namely Jesus Christ in particular. This leads me to think that it tells the story of Mary giving birth to Jesus Christ. At the same time, however, I suspect that the videos are also about the life of Jesus, including his crucifixion and resurrection.
In regards to its video, N is most certainly about food. Jonna Lee is made to look like a fish with capers on a platter of lettuce and tomatoes. Also, there are cups of milk everywhere in the forest, and at one point there are two big suction-cup nipples on Jonna's breasts. Clearly, there is a theme of Breastfeeding in this video with the milk.
The theme of food is also continued in the lyrics, with "sharpen your knives, watering mouths, Clean your plates for some tender I."
Finally, in the end of the video, we see Jonna (or someone) covered head to toe in what looks like giant empty plastic baby bottles. While the baby bottles obviously reference breastfeeding and providing for one's baby once again, it also can be a reference to how MUCH goes INTO providing for one's baby. Adding to that, the cups of milk in the forest are extremely high in number. The theme of excess is present in this video as well.
One must not forget the religious aspect of this song and video, however. I believe that "N" also acts as a reference to the Last Supper of Jesus Christ. This is shown in the video with how Jonna Lee is dressed up like a fish on a platter: A common thing to eat in biblical times.
The lyrics go more in depth with the image of the Last Supper. While the mention of knives, whatering mouths, and plates make the "supper" part evident, the aspect of the Last Supper in which Jesus Christ tells his disciples that one of them has betrayed him, and will cause him to be killed on the crucifix is shown in the lyrics: "It's storytelling time" "Tell me how the story ends now" "Come wallow in my sorrow" "Breathe your air into my lungs" "What hides in teh shadow?" and "My worst fear is real life" all emulate the themes of betrayal, not knowing who has caused Jesus' demise, and everyone's love and reverence for Jesus himself.
For a pictorial aide, just look at Leonardo Da Vinci's "The Last Supper" painting: The "wallowing in [Jesus'] sorrow" is apparent as everyone seems outraged a his pronouncement that someone at the table there has betrayed him. "What hides in [Jesus'] shadow?" everyone asks. Hearing this news of Jesus' imminent death is everyone's "worst fear [becoming] real life."
Those aren't baby bottles in the video. I think it refers to the fact that Mandrakes grow in waste places. That's why I feel like she has things in the videos like a crown and scepter made of foil, and the gown of plastic bottles (though not baby bottles).
Those aren't baby bottles in the video. I think it refers to the fact that Mandrakes grow in waste places. That's why I feel like she has things in the videos like a crown and scepter made of foil, and the gown of plastic bottles (though not baby bottles).
I don't see a religious aspect in this song...at all. =/
I don't see a religious aspect in this song...at all. =/