A Plague Of Lighthouse Keepers

Van Der Graaf Generator's 'A Plague Of Lighthouse Keepers' is a profound exploration of isolation, existential dread, and the search for meaning. The song's protagonist, a lighthouse keeper, is a metaphor for someone who is isolated and burdened by the weight of their own thoughts and experiences. The imagery of storms, seaweed, and the vast, unforgiving ocean underscores the character's sense of being overwhelmed and lost. The lighthouse, typically a symbol of guidance and hope, becomes a prison, highlighting the paradox of seeking light but finding only darkness and despair.

The lyrics delve into themes of prophecy and disaster, with the protagonist feeling like a harbinger of doom. The blank paper and blunt scissors symbolize the futility and frustration of trying to create or change anything in a world that seems indifferent. The 'skeletons of sailing-ship spars' and 'spectres' evoke a haunting sense of past failures and lost souls, suggesting that the protagonist is haunted by their own history and the weight of human suffering. The recurring motif of ghosts and hollowed faces reflects the inner turmoil and the struggle to find meaning in a seemingly meaningless existence.

As the song progresses, the protagonist's despair deepens, culminating in a sense of complete isolation and fear. The 'maelstrom of memory' feeding on the protagonist like a vampire is a powerful metaphor for how past traumas and regrets can consume a person. The final sections of the song, with references to 'Custard's Last Stand' and 'Land's End,' suggest a desperate search for redemption or escape. The protagonist's longing to 'walk on the sea' and 'find a shore' symbolizes the human desire for stability and peace amidst chaos. Ultimately, the song leaves us with a sense of unresolved tension, reflecting the ongoing struggle to find one's place in the world and the elusive nature of true freedom and self-understanding.