Storytime
Nightwish
The Enchantment of Imagination in Nightwish's 'Storytime'
Nightwish's 'Storytime' is a symphonic ode to the power of storytelling and the boundless realms of imagination. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world where stories are the essence of existence, and the act of creation is a magical, transformative experience. The song begins with a scene of quiet anticipation, the world in silence before the birth of a story. It then transitions into a celebration of the creative process, as seen through the eyes of a writer and a painter, both conjuring entire universes from their art.
The chorus of 'Storytime' introduces the concept of Never-Never-Land, a metaphorical place representing the innocence and dreams of humanity. This reference to Peter Pan's mythical island where children never grow up serves as a symbol for the timeless and ageless nature of stories. The song suggests that stories have the power to keep the child within us alive, offering an escape to a world of wonder and endless possibility. The lyrics also touch upon the idea that stories are not just for entertainment; they are a way to understand and interpret the world around us, to 'read' reality through the lens of imagination.
The latter part of the song delves deeper into the transformative power of stories, invoking the imagery of 'Alice,' from Lewis Carroll's 'Alice in Wonderland,' as an example of following one's curiosity into the unknown. The term 'Imaginarium' encapsulates the concept of a space where dreams are nurtured and brought to life. Nightwish, known for their grandiose and theatrical style, uses 'Storytime' to convey that life itself is a collection of stories, and we are both the authors and the audience of the grand narrative of our existence.