Copernicus

Candlemass's song 'Copernicus' delves into the profound themes of existentialism and cosmic insignificance. The lyrics juxtapose the grandeur of the cosmos with the mundane reality of human existence. The song opens with a reference to the stars as 'heaven's tree,' suggesting a celestial order that governs life and death. This imagery evokes a sense of predestination, where the stars, or perhaps fate, dictate the course of human lives. The 'ancient fathers' and 'white jewels of mystery' symbolize the timeless and enigmatic nature of the universe, serving as mirrors for our souls and reflecting our innermost thoughts and desires.

The song then shifts to a more critical tone, lamenting how the stars, once revered for their wisdom and guidance, have become symbols of 'fools and vanity.' This change reflects a modern disillusionment with the cosmos, where scientific advancements, like those made by Copernicus, have demystified the universe. The mention of Orion and the Zodiac as 'needles in a stack' further emphasizes the overwhelming and often incomprehensible nature of the cosmos. The telescope, a tool of discovery, reveals the 'order of the worlds,' yet this order seems distant and irrelevant to the speaker's immediate concerns.

In the chorus, the speaker confesses a yearning for meaning and connection, yet acknowledges that 'the stars aren't burning.' This line signifies a loss of faith in the cosmic order and a turn towards existential realism. The stars, once seen as eternal and guiding, are now perceived as cold and indifferent. The final verses underscore this disillusionment, with the speaker dismissing the stars as 'shining crosses for our sins' and 'small emerald satellites' that may vanish like 'painted glass.' The speaker's ultimate rejection of Copernicus and his stars highlights a preference for the tangible, flawed reality of human life over the distant, impersonal cosmos.