Severance

Dead Can Dance's song 'Severance' is a haunting exploration of change, fear, and the human condition. The lyrics open with the imagery of birds leaving, symbolizing a natural call to change or migrate, yet the speaker and their companions are paralyzed by the 'fear of flight.' This fear represents a reluctance to embrace change, a common human experience. The use of 'overland' and 'winds of change' further emphasizes the inevitability of transformation sweeping across the land, while the individuals remain stagnant, clinging to the past.

The song continues to delve into the theme of time and its passage, with references to 'summers now past' and leaves that have 'fallen and turned to dust.' These lines evoke a sense of nostalgia and the passage of seasons, symbolizing the inevitable decay and the end of an era. The question 'Will we remain entrenched within our ways?' challenges the listener to consider their own resistance to change and the comfort found in familiarity, even as the world around them evolves.

'Indifference' is described as a plague, suggesting a societal malaise where people are disconnected and apathetic to the changes and challenges around them. The 'omen signs' hint at foreboding future events, urging a reflection on the consequences of inaction. The final line, 'Tomorrow's child is the only child,' serves as a poignant reminder of the future generations who will inherit the world shaped by today's actions and inactions. Dead Can Dance, known for their ethereal and atmospheric sound, use 'Severance' to create a powerful commentary on the human experience of change, fear, and the passage of time.