Endlessness

Nightwish's 'Endlessness' is a profound exploration of life, death, and the infinite cycle that binds them. The song opens with the narrator identifying themselves as 'the thief,' a metaphor for death or the inevitable end that takes everything. The imagery of a 'crowded hearse' and 'blank verse' suggests a universe filled with untold stories and unfulfilled lives, emphasizing the transient nature of existence. The narrator also describes themselves as a 'haven by an unseen stream,' hinting at a peaceful afterlife or a place of rest beyond the physical world.

The lyrics then shift to a more hopeful tone, with the narrator inviting the listener to 'sing the dawn in' and walk with them to 'your sea.' This can be interpreted as an invitation to embrace the journey of life and death, finding meaning in the shared experience. The mention of 'someone in the tomorrow' waiting to share the 'thief' with the narrator suggests a connection between souls across time, united by the inevitability of death but also by the precious moments of life that give it meaning.

As the song progresses, the narrator describes themselves as 'the grass, the maggots, and the dust,' embodying the natural cycle of decay and rebirth. The 'several endings' and 'pain of the slow evil of an unsung life' reflect the struggles and unnoticed lives that contribute to the larger tapestry of existence. The song culminates in a call to 'follow me into the dark' and 'to the birth of everything,' suggesting that death is not an end but a transition to a new beginning. The repeated refrain of 'endlessness' reinforces the idea of an infinite cycle, where every end is a new beginning, and every life, no matter how small, is part of a larger, eternal story.