Opera House
Cigarettes After Sex
A Lyrical Journey Through Love and Longing in 'Opera House'
The song 'Opera House' by Cigarettes After Sex is a haunting ballad that delves into the depths of love and devotion. The lyrics paint a picture of a love so profound that the protagonist builds an opera house in the jungle, a metaphor for creating a grand and isolated space dedicated to their love. The act of singing on the stage with eyes closed suggests a deep connection to the emotion of the song, perhaps indicating a performance for an audience of one—the object of the singer's affection.
The recurring lines 'Ooh, I was meant to love you / And always keep you in my life' emphasize a sense of destiny and commitment. This is a love that the singer believes was fated, and the intensity of this conviction is palpable throughout the song. The imagery of love cutting 'like barbed wire' suggests that while the love is deep and true, it is not without pain or difficulty. Yet, the protagonist would rather face the perils of love than live without dreams, indicating that the experience of love, even when painful, is what makes life worth living.
The song's atmosphere is one of melancholy and longing, underscored by the sound of crying in the night within the opera house. The solitude of the setting—'with no one else for miles'—highlights the isolation that can accompany intense love. The repeated affirmation of love at first sight reinforces the idea that the connection is immediate and undeniable. Cigarettes After Sex is known for their ethereal sound and intimate lyrics, and 'Opera House' is a testament to their ability to evoke powerful emotions through music.