Rule #21 - Memento Mori

Fish In a Birdcage's 'Rule #21 - Memento Mori' is a poignant exploration of mortality and the human condition. The phrase 'memento mori' is a Latin term meaning 'remember you must die,' which serves as a central theme throughout the song. The lyrics 'Ashes to ashes, dust to dust' evoke the inevitability of death, a reminder that life is fleeting and fragile. This existential reflection is juxtaposed with mundane activities like filling up a coffee cup, suggesting that even in the routine, the specter of mortality looms large.

The song delves into the psychological impact of this awareness. Lines like 'My brain was cynical inside this massive hole' and 'I never wanted to sleep' reveal a mind grappling with the weight of existence. The imagery of a 'timeless cage' and a 'muzzled hound' further emphasizes feelings of entrapment and a desperate yearning for freedom. The protagonist's struggle is not just against the inevitability of death but also against the constraints imposed by life itself.

Musically, Fish In a Birdcage often blends haunting melodies with introspective lyrics, creating an atmosphere that is both melancholic and thought-provoking. The repetition of 'I never wanted to sleep' underscores a refusal to succumb to the oblivion of death, a desire to remain conscious and aware despite the existential dread. This song serves as a powerful reminder to live fully and authentically, even in the face of life's ultimate uncertainty.