Humanist - Masochist

Ewiges Reich's song 'Humanist - Masochist' delves into the profound and often disturbing themes of existence, mortality, and the human condition. The lyrics paint a bleak picture of life, questioning the very essence and value of existence. The opening lines, 'Der Ekel zieht herauf / Nicht existiert...' (Disgust rises / Nothing exists...), set a tone of existential dread and nihilism. The song explores the idea that life, in its physical form, is merely a 'flesh-made necessity,' filled with unrest and repulsion. This perspective challenges the listener to ponder whether life has intrinsic value or if it is merely a series of inevitable events leading to death.

The repeated questioning of life's worth and the right to compassion ('Hat Leben Wert ohne Sinn / Hat Leben Recht auf Mitgefühl') suggests a deep philosophical inquiry into the meaning of life and the nature of human suffering. The stark declaration 'Nein!' (No!) rejects the notion that life inherently deserves empathy or has meaning without purpose. This nihilistic viewpoint is further emphasized by the juxtaposition of 'Humanist - Masochist,' implying that the humanist's compassion is akin to a masochist's self-inflicted suffering, both ultimately leading to a state of 'sterbend ohne gelebt zu haben' (dying without having lived).

The imagery of blood, flesh, and decay ('Blut ist real, ist existent, für den Augenblick / Die Leiche ist real, ist existent, verfault') serves to ground the abstract philosophical musings in the visceral reality of the human body. The song suggests that death and decay are the only certainties, with life being a transient and often painful experience. The final lines, 'Nichts existiert... dauerhaft...' (Nothing exists... permanently...), encapsulate the song's overarching theme of impermanence and the futility of seeking lasting meaning in a transient world. Through its stark and unflinching exploration of these themes, 'Humanist - Masochist' challenges listeners to confront the darker aspects of existence and the human condition.