Uroboros

Alan Parsons' song 'Uroboros' delves into the concept of cyclical time and the eternal return, symbolized by the ancient image of the uroboros—a serpent eating its own tail. The lyrics explore the idea that life is a continuous loop, where beginnings and endings are intertwined. This is evident in lines like 'I walk the line to find / To see ahead, I look behind,' suggesting that understanding the future requires a reflection on the past. The reference to 'Escher stairs' further emphasizes the idea of endless cycles, as M.C. Escher's artwork often depicts impossible, infinite loops.

The song also touches on the inevitability of change and the balance of fortune. Phrases like 'Sooner or later, your luck will betray you / But tables will turn, and you’ll learn the behavior' highlight the transient nature of luck and the lessons learned through life's ups and downs. The 'rule of the ring' and 'kiss of the uroboros' signify the acceptance of this eternal cycle, where every end is a new beginning, and every loss leads to a new discovery.

Parsons uses metaphors like 'fractal to the galaxy' and 'another wheel inside a wheel' to illustrate the complexity and interconnectedness of the universe. These images suggest that everything is part of a larger, intricate pattern, reinforcing the theme of cyclical time. The song's chorus, 'Got your tail in your mouth / And so it goes round and round,' encapsulates the essence of the uroboros, reminding us that life is a perpetual cycle of renewal and transformation. The lyrics ultimately convey a sense of acceptance and understanding of this eternal return, where the future and the past are forever linked in an endless dance.