Immortal
Lorna Shore
The Eternal Struggle: Unraveling Lorna Shore's 'Immortal'
Lorna Shore's 'Immortal' is a powerful and dark exploration of existential themes, questioning the nature of life, death, and the oppressive forces that govern human existence. The song's lyrics are filled with vivid and disturbing imagery, painting a picture of a world where individuals are subjected to relentless suffering and control. The repeated references to 'immortal questions' and 'cesspools' suggest a deep-seated frustration with the cyclical nature of human suffering and the seeming futility of seeking answers in a world dominated by cruelty and tyranny.
The song's opening lines introduce a 'repulsive sermonizer' and 'vile wrathful prophesier,' figures who represent the corrupt and oppressive forces that dictate the lives of the masses. These figures force their followers into submission, stripping them of their autonomy and subjecting them to a life of suffering. The imagery of 'children forced to be hung' and 'sin-filled air ripped from their lungs' underscores the brutality and inhumanity of these forces. The song's chorus, with its repeated questioning of 'when will you learn your fucking lesson,' suggests a sense of hopelessness and frustration with the inability to break free from this cycle of oppression.
The theme of eternal suffering is further emphasized in the lines 'Immortal, obscurity / In death, was once beauty / Eternal, tyranny / A life of purpose bound to cruelty.' Here, the song suggests that even in death, there is no escape from the tyranny and cruelty that define human existence. The 'mouth sewn prophets' who 'bleed from their lips' symbolize the silenced voices of those who have been oppressed and forced to conform to the dictates of the powerful. The song's closing lines, which declare that 'the scripture they wrote / will no longer be force fed / and shoved down your throat,' offer a glimmer of hope for resistance and liberation, suggesting that there is a possibility of breaking free from the cycle of oppression and reclaiming one's autonomy.
Overall, 'Immortal' by Lorna Shore is a haunting and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of suffering, oppression, and the search for meaning in a world dominated by cruelty. The song's powerful imagery and intense emotion make it a compelling and impactful piece of music that resonates with listeners on a deep and visceral level.