Dead Gardens

Nightwish's song 'Dead Gardens' delves into the themes of creative exhaustion and the melancholic acceptance of an artist's waning inspiration. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of an artist who has reached the end of their creative journey, symbolized by the 'dead gardens' they now tend to. The opening lines suggest a sense of finality, with the story behind the painting already told and no more tearstains on the diary pages. This indicates a closure of emotional and creative expression, as the artist feels drained yet unable to completely give up due to a sense of responsibility for their past creations.

The recurring motif of 'The play is done, the curtain's down' reinforces the idea of an ending, a conclusion to the artist's once vibrant and imaginative world. The mention of 'all the tales are told, all the orchids gone' signifies the depletion of inspiration and the loss of beauty and creativity. The artist is now lost in their own world, caring for 'dead gardens,' a metaphor for their barren and unproductive state of mind. This imagery evokes a sense of sorrow and resignation, as the artist acknowledges the diminished value of their song and decides to lay their weary pen aside.

The song also reflects on the artist's past, reminiscing about the 'wolves, the underwater moon, the elvenpath, the haven of youth, lagoons of the starlit sea.' These fantastical elements represent the rich and imaginative landscapes that once fueled their creativity. The artist questions whether they have felt enough for one man's deeds or if it's time to challenge the 'Ancient of Days' and let the 'virgin conceive,' hinting at a possible rebirth or new beginning. However, the overall tone remains one of melancholy and acceptance of the end of a creative era.