Das Schweigen

Lacrimosa's song "Das Schweigen" delves into the dark and unsettling themes of human apathy, societal decay, and the duality of human nature. The lyrics paint a grim picture of a world gripped by disgust, hatred, and corruption. The opening lines describe a pervasive sense of revulsion and hatred that flows through human hearts, suggesting a deep-seated malaise within society. The imagery of noble human ranks being torn apart by divisions of race and gender highlights the destructive nature of prejudice and discrimination.

The song's chorus emphasizes the silence and indifference of humanity in the face of suffering and injustice. The repeated assertion that no one has seen, heard, or spoken about the atrocities occurring around them underscores the theme of willful ignorance. The streets reek of blood, yet people act as if nothing has happened. This stark contrast between the visible evidence of violence and the collective silence of society serves as a powerful indictment of human apathy.

The lyrics also explore the duality of human nature, with hands that are both folded in prayer and ready to kill, and mouths that plead for mercy while speaking of guilt. This juxtaposition highlights the internal conflict within individuals and the capacity for both good and evil. The closing lines, where eyes that have witnessed the horrors choose to close, and blood flows unimpeded, drive home the message that silence in the face of injustice is a form of complicity. The silence becomes unbearably loud, symbolizing the weight of unspoken truths and the moral burden of inaction.