Un-Reborn Again
Queens Of The Stone Age
The Elusive Quest for Eternal Youth in 'Un-Reborn Again'
Queens Of The Stone Age's song 'Un-Reborn Again' delves into the complex and often paradoxical human desire for eternal youth. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of various characters, each with their own quirks and flaws, navigating a world where the pursuit of youth and vitality seems both a blessing and a curse. The repeated references to characters like 'Skinny-nose Jack' and 'Acid-faced Jake' suggest a cast of individuals who are lost or searching for something more, perhaps a metaphor for the universal quest for meaning and rejuvenation.
The chorus, with its haunting lines 'Frozen in pose, locked up in amber eternally, buried so close to the fountain of youth,' evokes the image of being trapped in a state of perpetual longing. The idea of being 'un-reborn again' suggests a cyclical struggle, where the promise of renewal is always just out of reach. This theme is further emphasized by the imagery of the 'fountain of youth,' a mythical source of eternal life that remains tantalizingly close yet unattainable. The song captures the frustration and futility of this endless pursuit, highlighting the human tendency to chase after illusions of perfection and immortality.
The bridge and final verses introduce a sense of urgency and desperation, with lines like 'I had a vision as clear as day, delusions of grandeur in our DNA' and 'Everybody was drowning in the fountain of youth.' These lyrics suggest that the quest for eternal youth is not only futile but also potentially destructive. The repeated phrase 'There's gotta be somewhere to bury the pain' underscores the emotional toll of this pursuit, hinting at the need for acceptance and finding peace with one's own mortality. The song's conclusion, with its repetitive and almost hypnotic 'du-du, du-du, du-du la-di-duh,' leaves the listener in a state of contemplation, reflecting on the elusive nature of youth and the inevitable passage of time.