Perfume of the Timeless

Nightwish's 'Perfume of the Timeless' is a poetic exploration of human legacy and the interconnectedness of life across generations. The song opens with imagery of something emerging from the earth, symbolizing the birth of life and the continuity of existence. The 'mosaic of broken fragile pieces' and 'tesserae of the deceased' suggest that our lives are built upon the fragments of those who came before us, creating a beautiful yet fragile tapestry of human history.

The lyrics 'We are their heir, dust on their palm' and 'We are because of a million loves' emphasize the idea that we are the product of countless lives and loves that have preceded us. This notion of inheritance is further reinforced by the recurring line 'We're the perfume of the timeless,' which poetically captures the essence of our existence as a lingering fragrance of the past. The 'last sighs on a deathbed' evoke the final moments of life, reminding us of the transient nature of our existence and the legacy we leave behind.

The song also touches on the concept of eudaemonia, or human flourishing, suggesting that lives lived both plainly and epically contribute to the grand narrative of humanity. The 'endless chain unbroken' and 'silent clocks rewinding' evoke a sense of timelessness and the cyclical nature of life. The reference to 'time set for a curious ghost' hints at the idea of an afterlife or the enduring curiosity about what comes after death. Overall, 'Perfume of the Timeless' is a profound meditation on the enduring impact of human lives and the interconnectedness of our shared history.