Cotard's Solution (Anatta, Dukkha, Anicca)

Will Wood and The Tapeworms' song 'Cotard's Solution (Anatta, Dukkha, Anicca)' delves deep into themes of identity, existential dread, and the human condition. The title itself references Cotard's Syndrome, a rare mental disorder where individuals believe they are dead or do not exist. This sets the stage for a lyrical exploration of self-perception and the struggle to find meaning in a seemingly chaotic world.

The lyrics are rich with metaphors and philosophical references. The lines 'What if the wind caught up with me / Started to change when I did' suggest a fluid and ever-changing sense of self, akin to the Buddhist concepts of Anatta (non-self), Dukkha (suffering), and Anicca (impermanence). The song questions the nature of reality and identity, pondering whether we are defined by our fears, dreams, or the perceptions of others. The recurring theme of 'free will' versus determinism is evident in the chorus, where the singer grapples with the idea of being in control of their destiny or merely a passenger on a predetermined path.

The imagery of 'rolling my third eye into the back / Of my head and squinting through the black' evokes a sense of searching for deeper truths, only to find emptiness or confusion. This aligns with the existential dread that permeates the song, as the singer contemplates life, death, and the meaning of existence. The repeated desire to 'make my murder look like a suicide' and the struggle to maintain a coherent identity ('I look different in different ways') highlight the internal conflict and the fear of being misunderstood or forgotten.

Ultimately, 'Cotard's Solution (Anatta, Dukkha, Anicca)' is a poignant reflection on the complexities of human identity and the existential questions that haunt us all. It challenges listeners to confront their own perceptions of self and the transient nature of life, urging a deeper understanding of what it means to truly exist.