Lilium Saint Version
Elfen Lied
The Sacred Serenity of 'Lilium Saint Version'
The song 'Lilium Saint Version' by Elfen Lied is a hauntingly beautiful piece that draws heavily from Latin liturgical texts, creating an atmosphere of sacredness and introspection. The lyrics are steeped in religious imagery and language, invoking themes of wisdom, judgment, temptation, and purity. The opening lines, 'Os justi meditabitur sapientiam et lingua ejus loquetur judicium,' translate to 'The mouth of the righteous shall meditate wisdom, and his tongue shall speak judgment,' setting a tone of contemplation and moral reflection.
The song continues with 'Beatus vir qui suffert temptationem quia cum probates furerit accipiet coronam vitae,' which means 'Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has been proven, he will receive the crown of life.' This passage emphasizes the virtue of perseverance through trials and the ultimate reward of eternal life, a common theme in Christian theology. The repeated invocation of 'Kyrie fons bonitatis, Kyrie ignis divine eleison'—'Lord, source of goodness, Lord, divine fire, have mercy'—adds a layer of supplication and reverence, highlighting the human need for divine grace and mercy.
The latter part of the song shifts focus to the Virgin Mary, described with phrases like 'Oh quam sancta, quam serena, quam benigna, quam amoena esse virgo creditur,' which translates to 'Oh how holy, how serene, how kind, how pleasant it is believed to be a virgin.' This section venerates the purity and sanctity of the Virgin Mary, symbolized as the 'lilium' or lily, a traditional emblem of chastity and innocence. The repetition of these lines underscores the admiration and idealization of these virtues, creating a serene and almost ethereal atmosphere.
'Lilium Saint Version' is a profound exploration of spiritual themes, blending the solemnity of religious texts with the emotive power of music to evoke a sense of reverence and inner peace.