No Body

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard's song 'No Body' delves into profound existential themes, exploring the nature of existence, the afterlife, and the concept of self. The lyrics begin with a sense of liberation as the narrator describes floating up and feeling relaxed for the first time, suggesting a release from the burdens of life. This imagery of rising like oil in water symbolizes a separation from the physical world and an ascent to a different plane of existence. The phrase 'to be not real, to have no soul, to have nobody' underscores a detachment from the self, hinting at a transcendental experience where the narrator feels free from the constraints of identity and corporeal form.

The song then shifts to a more unsettling tone as the narrator wakes to a 'fright' and finds themselves in a 'purgatory white,' a stark, empty void that evokes feelings of isolation and confusion. This purgatorial state raises questions about the nature of the afterlife and the lessons to be learned from it. The repeated questioning of 'What was the lesson, God?' and 'Are you real or not?' reflects a deep existential crisis, where the narrator grapples with the meaning of life and the existence of a higher power. The repetition of 'no, no, no, nobody' emphasizes a sense of emptiness and the absence of definitive answers.

In the final lines, the narrator concludes that 'in death, I know life was a hallucination,' suggesting a revelation that life itself may be an illusion or a fleeting dream. This perspective challenges the listener to reflect on the nature of reality and the significance of their own existence. King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard's psychedelic rock style, known for its experimental and often philosophical lyrics, perfectly complements the introspective and otherworldly themes of 'No Body,' making it a thought-provoking piece that invites deep contemplation.