Somnus

Yoko Shimomura's 'Somnus' is a hauntingly beautiful piece that delves into themes of eternal sleep, despair, and the faint glimmer of hope. The song's title, 'Somnus,' is Latin for 'sleep,' setting the stage for a narrative that explores the boundaries between consciousness and unconsciousness. The lyrics, written in Latin, add a layer of timelessness and universality to the song's message, making it feel both ancient and ever-relevant.

The opening lines, 'Deus dormit / Et liberi ignem faciunt,' translate to 'God sleeps / And the children make fire.' This imagery suggests a world where divine oversight is absent, and humanity is left to its own devices, often leading to chaos and destruction. The phrase 'Numquam extinguunt / Ne expergisci possit' means 'They never extinguish / So that it cannot awaken,' implying a deliberate perpetuation of this state of unrest and turmoil.

As the song progresses, it delves deeper into the human condition. 'Omnia dividit / Tragoedia coram / Amandam quae' translates to 'Tragedy divides everything / In front of the beloved.' This line speaks to the inevitable suffering and separation that tragedy brings, even in the presence of love. The final lines, 'Et nocte perpetua / Eheu! In desperatione / Auroram videre potest / Manet tempus expergiscendi,' translate to 'And in the perpetual night / Alas! In despair / One can see the dawn / The time to awaken remains.' Here, despite the overwhelming darkness and despair, there is a glimmer of hope—a promise that dawn will come, and with it, the possibility of awakening and renewal.

Yoko Shimomura, known for her work in video game music, brings a unique blend of classical and contemporary influences to 'Somnus.' The song's orchestration and haunting melody complement its profound lyrical content, creating an immersive experience that resonates deeply with listeners. 'Somnus' is not just a song; it's a journey through the depths of human emotion, exploring themes of despair, hope, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness.