Cigar

Tamino's song 'Cigar' delves into the profound themes of life, death, and the meaning of existence. The lyrics open with a striking image of someone with 'hollow eye sockets' and a smile, suggesting a confrontation with death or a ghostly figure. This figure challenges the conventional wisdom that life is about extending one's time, instead proposing that moments of joy, like sharing a bottle of wine, are what truly matter. This sets the tone for the song's exploration of existential questions and the value of life experiences over mere longevity.

The song continues to question societal norms and personal motivations. Tamino reflects on the futility of caring about how others will remember us, given that everything, including memory, eventually fades. He also critiques the practice of praying away sins, suggesting that even those who do so are part of the 'grand ballet' of life and death. This metaphor of life as a ballet underscores the idea that everyone plays a role in the larger narrative, regardless of their actions or beliefs.

In the latter part of the song, Tamino introduces a more personal and intimate moment, where a kiss fills him with bliss, reinforcing the idea that life's value lies in these fleeting, beautiful experiences. The recurring refrain, 'When time occurs, don't make it right, don't make me right, it's me to decide, this or that side,' emphasizes the individual's autonomy in choosing how to live and perceive life. The song closes with the image of a burning cigar, symbolizing the transient nature of life and the lies we've been told about its meaning. Through 'Cigar,' Tamino invites listeners to ponder their own existence and the choices they make, urging them to find their own path in the grand ballet of life.