Nine While Nine

The Sisters of Mercy's song 'Nine While Nine' delves into the melancholic and haunting reflections of a person caught in the throes of lost love and lingering memories. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone waiting for a train, a metaphor for waiting for something or someone that may never come. This sense of waiting is intertwined with the passage of time, as the protagonist is 'killing time' but finds it preferable to facing an uncertain future. The letters mentioned in the song symbolize the remnants of a past relationship, serving as a tangible connection to a time that once was.

The imagery in the song is rich with metaphors and symbols. The 'lipstick on my cigarettes' and 'frost upon the window pane' evoke a sense of coldness and isolation, mirroring the emotional state of the protagonist. The reference to 'the dead lying under the water' and 'the cost of the blood on the driven snow' suggests a deep sense of loss and the heavy price of past actions. These lines could be interpreted as a reflection on the consequences of love and the inevitable pain that comes with it.

The song also touches on themes of nostalgia and longing. The protagonist reminisces about a time when 'days had no beginning' and 'shadows grew no longer,' indicating a period of innocence and endless possibilities. However, this is contrasted with the present reality of loneliness and coldness, as the protagonist struggles to find meaning and connection in a world that feels increasingly distant. The repeated refrain of 'waiting for the train' underscores the sense of anticipation and the hope for a reunion or resolution that may never come. Ultimately, 'Nine While Nine' is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring impact of memories.