The song of amergin

Dead Can Dance's 'The Song of Amergin' is a haunting and mystical piece that draws heavily from ancient Celtic mythology. The lyrics are a modern interpretation of the Song of Amergin, a poem attributed to Amergin Glúingel, a druid and bard of the Milesians in Irish mythology. The song is a declaration of the bard's unity with nature and the cosmos, expressed through a series of vivid and powerful metaphors.

The lyrics are written in Old Irish, which adds to the song's ancient and mystical aura. Each line of the poem begins with 'Am,' meaning 'I am,' followed by a natural element or phenomenon. For instance, 'Am gaeth i m-muir' translates to 'I am the wind on the sea,' and 'Am fuaim mara' means 'I am the sound of the sea.' These declarations signify the bard's deep connection with the natural world, suggesting that he embodies these elements and is an integral part of the universe.

The song also explores themes of transformation and identity. By claiming to be various elements of nature, the bard asserts his ability to transcend human limitations and become one with the world around him. This idea is further emphasized by the questions posed in the latter part of the lyrics, which challenge the listener to consider the origins and essence of these natural phenomena. The song's ethereal and otherworldly soundscape, characteristic of Dead Can Dance's musical style, enhances the mystical and introspective nature of the lyrics, inviting the listener to reflect on their own connection to the natural world and the cosmos.