Nightfloating
Forgotten Tomb
Embracing the Abyss: The Dark Journey of 'Nightfloating'
Forgotten Tomb's 'Nightfloating' is a haunting exploration of escapism and the allure of oblivion. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of a wanderer moving through a misty, desolate void, symbolizing a journey that is both inevitable and inescapable. The imagery of 'flowing like blood from the wrists' suggests a deep sense of despair and self-destruction, setting a somber tone for the rest of the song.
The concept of 'Nightfloating' serves as a metaphor for escaping the harsh realities of life. The 'gold for the escapist mind' represents the allure of leaving behind the 'filth' of human existence and floating through the night, away from the 'rotten earth.' This journey through the night can be seen as a form of mental or emotional escape, where the darkness offers a temporary reprieve from the pain and suffering of the world.
The final verses of the song delve deeper into the theme of oblivion. The 'opal black seas' that 'swallow all life' symbolize the ultimate embrace of nothingness, a 'sweet final embrace' akin to the numbing effect of heroin. This comparison to heroin highlights the seductive and addictive nature of this escape, suggesting that the wanderer finds a twisted sense of peace in this dark journey. The repeated refrain of 'float away into the night' reinforces the idea of surrendering to this abyss, finding solace in the void.