Amnesia

Dead Can Dance's 'Amnesia' is a haunting reflection on the collective memory loss that plagues humanity. The song opens with a reference to Remembrance Day, a time meant to honor and remember those who have fallen in wars. However, the lyrics suggest that the lessons from these sacrifices are often forgotten, as history is written by the victors, leaving the defeated to bear witness to a collective amnesia. This theme is underscored by the line 'History is never written by those who've lost,' highlighting the selective nature of historical memory and the tendency to forget the suffering of the vanquished.

The song continues to explore the idea that each generation experiences a 'memory lapse,' failing to learn from the mistakes of the past. The phrase 'We live in the dreamtime' suggests a state of disconnection from reality, where nothing seems to last, and planning for the future becomes futile without a solid understanding of the past. This is poignantly illustrated through the metaphor of memories falling like autumn leaves, symbolizing the transient and fragile nature of human recollection.

In the latter part of the song, Dead Can Dance delves into the philosophical implications of memory. The lyrics ponder what lies beyond the confines of our empirical minds and question whether memory truly defines who we are. The invocation of Mnemosyne, the Greek goddess of memory, serves as a plea for clarity and truth, hoping that future generations will remember and learn from the past. The song's melancholic tone and evocative imagery serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of memory in shaping our identity and guiding our future.