Mantiquor

Lacrimosa's song "Mantiquor" delves deep into the existential questions of life, love, and the relentless passage of time. The opening lines, "Bin ich nicht geboren, um zu leben, Bin ich nicht am Leben um zu lieben," set the stage for a profound exploration of human existence. The lyrics ponder the purpose of life and love, acknowledging the inevitability of death. This contemplation is a hallmark of Lacrimosa's gothic and symphonic metal style, which often grapples with themes of mortality and the human condition.

The recurring refrain, "Von Tag zu Tag leben, ich gegen die Zeit," translates to "Living day by day, me against time." This line encapsulates the central struggle of the song: the battle against the inexorable march of time. The lyrics urge the listener to hold on tightly and not to run away, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and resilience. The metaphor of time not healing wounds suggests a deep-seated pain or trauma that persists despite the passage of time, a common theme in gothic literature and music.

The song also explores the concept of addiction or an insatiable desire, described as a "Sucht" that consumes the narrator. This addiction is portrayed as a destructive force, leading to feelings of being hunted, heartbroken, and oppressed. The vivid imagery of being "aufgestiegen und verbannt, eingefangen und verbrannt" (risen and banished, captured and burned) paints a picture of intense inner turmoil. Despite these struggles, the narrator finds solace in the fact that they have lived, loved, and been loved, suggesting that these experiences give life its meaning, even amidst suffering.