This song is actually based on the book/movie Death in Venice. A man, writer or composer depending on what version you go with, travels to Venice and falls instantly for a 14-year-old boy in a sailor outfit. (It's based on a real story actually; the author saw a boy of 11 in actuality! The movie's actor was 16 at the time.) At first he insists it's an artistic fascination, but as the story goes, it becomes apparent that while he never touches or talks to young Tadzio, he's infatuated. Opportunities present themselves to leave Venice, which by now, is experiencing an outbreak of Cholera (symbolizing the growing sickness inside the man). The song takes place as the man's death is all but certain, having chosen to remain and see Tadzio's glowing smile rather than live his life. Thus lyrics like "why is this such a bad thing". He knows it's wrong on some level and is in deep denial.
This song is actually based on the book/movie Death in Venice. A man, writer or composer depending on what version you go with, travels to Venice and falls instantly for a 14-year-old boy in a sailor outfit. (It's based on a real story actually; the author saw a boy of 11 in actuality! The movie's actor was 16 at the time.) At first he insists it's an artistic fascination, but as the story goes, it becomes apparent that while he never touches or talks to young Tadzio, he's infatuated. Opportunities present themselves to leave Venice, which by now, is experiencing an outbreak of Cholera (symbolizing the growing sickness inside the man). The song takes place as the man's death is all but certain, having chosen to remain and see Tadzio's glowing smile rather than live his life. Thus lyrics like "why is this such a bad thing". He knows it's wrong on some level and is in deep denial.