A Strange Thing To Say

The song "A Strange Thing To Say" by Sopor Aeternus delves into the complex and often taboo relationship between the narrator and a character who appears to be an assassin. The lyrics express a paradoxical sense of warmth and safety in the presence of someone whose occupation is inherently violent and dangerous. The narrator finds comfort in the company of this person, despite—or perhaps because of—their lethal profession.

The song's lyrics suggest a deep and ironic friendship between the narrator and the assassin, emphasizing that the latter is the only human friend the narrator has ever had. This could imply a sense of alienation or detachment from society on the part of the narrator, who finds solace in the company of someone who deals in death. The repeated lines about feeling warm and safe in the 'winter of his presence' evoke a sense of peace and security that contrasts sharply with the cold and often solitary nature of the assassin's work.

The song also touches on themes of admiration for the assassin's precision and professionalism, likening his acts to a 'ballet' or 'prayer.' The narrator expresses a desire for a similar level of expertise and cleanliness in their own hypothetical death, rejecting the idea of a messy end at the hands of an 'amateur.' This fascination with the elegance and ritual of death, as well as the desire for control over one's own demise, speaks to a deeper existential contemplation and a yearning for meaning in the face of mortality.