Secret Of Life

Lord Huron's 'Secret Of Life' delves into the profound and often enigmatic themes of life, death, and the quest for meaning. The song opens with a haunting scene where the narrator sits alone in the dark, reflecting on cryptic words that seem to have summoned a powerful force. This sets the tone for a journey through existential contemplation, where the narrator grapples with the consequences of tampering with the natural order. The mention of an 'ancient master' and a 'curse' evokes a sense of timeless struggle, hinting at the eternal human quest to understand and perhaps control the forces of life and death.

The chorus shifts to a more personal and intimate moment, where the narrator invites someone to 'put on your new dress tonight' and gaze at the moon. This imagery suggests a desire to transcend earthly concerns and reach for something higher, both literally and metaphorically. The moon, often a symbol of mystery and the subconscious, represents the allure of the unknown. The narrator's longing to 'leave the Earth and my things behind' underscores a yearning for escape and a deeper understanding of existence. The revelation of the 'secret of life' and the unforgettable look in the other person's eye suggest a moment of profound insight or connection that has left a lasting impact.

As the song progresses, the narrator reflects on the passage of time and the inevitability of death. Living 'out on the coast' and the 'long way back from the edge of the cosmos' evoke a sense of isolation and the vastness of the universe. The lyrics 'truths once known never come unknown' and 'to die for good, it must be earned' highlight the irreversible nature of certain knowledge and the idea that true death is something that must be achieved, not merely experienced. The song concludes with a reiteration of the chorus, emphasizing the enduring mystery and the narrator's struggle to reconcile the secret of life with the inevitability of death.