Absent Friend

Corpus Delicti's song 'Absent Friend' delves into the profound sense of loss and longing for a friend who is no longer present. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of an internal struggle, where the mind and heart are haunted by the absence of someone significant. The recurring imagery of a 'vision of after-war' and a 'wind vacant factory' suggests a desolate and empty state, mirroring the emotional void left by the absent friend. The burning dress and melting symbol further emphasize the destruction and decay that accompany this loss, leaving the narrator feeling 'lost and low.'

The song repeatedly refers to the 'absent friend' as a spiritual need, a source of healing, and a holy presence. This indicates that the friend was not just a physical companion but also a spiritual guide or a source of inner strength. The mention of 'touching the holy hand' and 'touching the inland' suggests a deep, almost sacred connection that transcends the physical realm. The narrator's yearning for this connection is palpable, as they question whether they must wait for 'judgement day' to find answers and closure.

In the latter part of the song, the lyrics shift to a vision of a new world, where a 'shining star' dances with the soul. This fleeting light symbolizes hope and the possibility of reunion or spiritual enlightenment. However, the light disappears, leaving the narrator in a state of uncertainty and continued longing. The song concludes with a glimmer of hope, as the narrator contemplates the possibility of meeting the absent friend in 'another clean world,' suggesting a belief in an afterlife or a spiritual realm where they can be reunited. The repeated use of 'maybe' underscores the uncertainty and the fragile hope that sustains the narrator through their grief.