Of Lillies And Remains

Bauhaus's song "Of Lillies And Remains" is a haunting and surreal exploration of guilt, redemption, and the struggle for self-worth. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a protagonist navigating a labyrinthine space filled with ghostly figures and symbolic objects. The marbled reception hall and the three-band gold ring from Mark suggest a setting of opulence and perhaps a past life of privilege. However, this is juxtaposed with the eerie and unsettling imagery of ghost closet locker rooms and ectoplasmic goo, indicating a fall from grace or a haunting past that the protagonist cannot escape.

The protagonist's attempt to hide from Peter, who has fallen to the cold stone floor, adds a layer of tension and fear. The wind rushing through the hall and the narrow slits in the green locker doors create a sense of claustrophobia and urgency. The blackout signifies a moment of crisis or a turning point, where the protagonist must confront their past and their guilt. The act of climbing the high wall in remembrance of Clancy symbolizes a quest for redemption and the desire to regain or re-earn one's life. The wall, with its many holes and foot pieces, represents the challenges and obstacles that must be overcome in this journey.

The repeated attempts to climb the wall, described as breathtaking, rigid, and foolish, highlight the protagonist's perseverance and the cyclical nature of their struggle. The chain of lilies and remains serves as a powerful metaphor for the beauty and decay intertwined in the protagonist's life. Lilies, often associated with purity and renewal, contrast with remains, symbolizing death and the remnants of the past. This duality captures the essence of the protagonist's internal conflict and their quest for self-redemption amidst the haunting echoes of their past.