Exercises In Futility

Mgla's song "Exercises In Futility" delves deep into themes of existential despair and the inherent meaninglessness of life. The opening line, "The great truth is there isn't one," sets the tone for the entire piece, suggesting that any search for a universal truth or purpose is ultimately futile. This nihilistic perspective is further emphasized by the line, "The irony of being an extension to nothing," which portrays human existence as an insignificant continuation of nothingness. The force of inertia, mentioned in the lyrics, symbolizes the relentless and unchanging nature of this despair, making it a vital factor in the human experience.

The song's imagery is rich with metaphors that highlight the bleakness of existence. For instance, the comparison of human endeavors to "dumping dead meat at the brink of Styx" evokes the futility of trying to find meaning in a world that is inherently meaningless. The reference to Yggdrasil, the world tree in Norse mythology, being reduced to a barge, further underscores the degradation of once-sacred symbols in the face of existential despair. The lyrics also touch on the idea of burning bridges as a habitual act, suggesting that in the face of such despair, destructive behaviors become a coping mechanism.

The song also critiques societal and spiritual constructs. The line, "The odour of sanctity is just refined stench of existence," implies that what is often considered holy or sacred is merely a more palatable version of the inherent stench of life. The grotesque eagles of misfortune, well-fed on Thanatos (the personification of death), symbolize the ever-present nature of suffering and misfortune in life. The song concludes with a powerful image of a blind person, whose extended arms seem to pass on his blindness to others, suggesting that the ignorance and despair are contagious, spreading from one person to another.