Song Of Dispossessed

Dead Can Dance's "Song Of Dispossessed" is a haunting and evocative piece that delves into the themes of oppression, cultural erasure, and the longing for freedom. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a people who have been stripped of their voice and identity, symbolized by the imagery of tongues being tied and minds poisoned by books. This suggests a forced assimilation or indoctrination, where the true heritage and knowledge of the people are suppressed and replaced with harmful ideologies.

The recurring motif of the river and the road signifies the arduous journey and the obstacles faced by the dispossessed. The river's depth and the mountain's height represent the immense challenges and the seemingly insurmountable distance to freedom and self-determination. The plea for someone to teach them how to read the signs underscores the loss of cultural knowledge and the need for guidance to reclaim their heritage and navigate their path to liberation.

The song also touches on the exploitation of the oppressed, as they are described as the mortar, bricks, and clay used to build the oppressor's world. The reference to gold teeth mirroring both joy and pain highlights the complex relationship between the oppressors and the oppressed, where the former's wealth and power are built on the suffering and labor of the latter. The earth, personified as a mother, symbolizes the nurturing and life-giving force that has been overshadowed by the oppressive rule of the 'lord,' leading to a state of eternal night and suffering. The final lines, where the speaker's senses are blocked and they are fed lies, encapsulate the totality of the oppression and the desperate cry for truth and liberation.