Abeyance
Be'Lakor
The Cyclical Journey of Life and Death in 'Abeyance'
Be'Lakor's song 'Abeyance' delves into the profound themes of life, death, and the cyclical nature of existence. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a journey that transcends the physical realm, exploring the metaphysical and existential aspects of human experience. The opening lines, 'As the candles yawned / My world grew darker,' set a somber tone, suggesting a transition from life to death or a state of deep introspection. The imagery of 'parchment and smoke' and 'moths carried by the breeze' evokes a sense of fragility and impermanence, reinforcing the transient nature of life.
The song's narrative structure is non-linear, reflecting the idea that time is not a straightforward path but a series of interconnected moments. The protagonist experiences life in reverse, 'At first I see my entering / And then steps in reverse,' symbolizing a return to the beginning or a re-examination of past experiences. This backward journey highlights the inevitability of death and the futility of trying to escape it. The repeated refrain, 'Beyond my eyelids, I have died,' underscores the theme of mortality and the notion that death is an ever-present reality, even as life continues to unfold.
The lyrics also explore the concept of memory and the passage of time. 'Days are merging quickly now / Into years that spiral from my chest' suggests a rapid, almost uncontrollable flow of time, where individual moments lose their distinctiveness. The protagonist's struggle to 'gain what was lost / And lose what was gained' speaks to the elusive nature of memory and the difficulty of holding onto the past. The song concludes with a sense of unresolved continuity, 'I have reached a beginning / But somehow I do not stop,' implying that the journey of life and death is an endless cycle, with each ending leading to a new beginning. This cyclical perspective offers a contemplative view on existence, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own lives and the inevitable passage of time.