Moon
Borknagar
The Enigmatic Allure of the Moon
Borknagar's song "Moon" delves into the profound and often paradoxical relationship between humanity and the celestial body that has fascinated us for millennia. The lyrics paint a picture of desolation and longing, capturing the essence of a howling adorer who is both in awe and aghast at the sight of the Moon. This duality is a recurring theme, reflecting the human condition of being simultaneously captivated and confounded by the mysteries of the universe.
The song employs vivid imagery and metaphors to convey its message. The 'lunatic advance' and 'mounted scope in hand' suggest a relentless pursuit of understanding and control over the Moon, a 'shiny shiny object' that remains tantalizingly out of reach. This pursuit is depicted as both a scientific endeavor and a personal quest, highlighting the intersection of objective observation and subjective experience. The line 'Armstrung out but nothing there' poignantly captures the disillusionment that often accompanies such quests, referencing astronaut Neil Armstrong's historic moon landing and the subsequent realization that the Moon, while awe-inspiring, is also a barren, desolate place.
The song's climax reveals a deeper philosophical insight: 'You shine when you are shined upon.' This line encapsulates the idea that the Moon's beauty and significance are not inherent but are bestowed upon it by the light it reflects and the meaning we project onto it. The final lines, 'The grey and man / It takes a loon to even think / You do understand,' underscore the complexity and perhaps the futility of our attempts to fully grasp the Moon's essence. In this way, Borknagar's "Moon" serves as a meditation on the limits of human understanding and the enduring allure of the unknown.