This Mortal Coil
Carcass Lyrics
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Breaching frontiers, unlocking the gates
To a new world disorder
A fresh balance of terror, the equilibrium of hate/
All flesh entwined, in the equality of pain
Archaic nescience unleashed
Entrenched, a bitter legacy
Tempered in mental scars
All flesh entwined in mortal equality
Tangled mortal coil
Twisted and warped
Tangled mortal coil
The lyrics of Carcass's song "This Mortal Coil" vividly describe the emergence of a new world order, characterized by equal amounts of terror and hate. The song paints a dystopian picture of a world where walls are being torn down, boundaries being breached, and gates being unlocked, and in their place, a new and distorted reality is born. This new reality is marked by a balance of terror that is fresh and ever-present, and a hate that fuels the equilibrium.
The image of "all flesh entwined in the equality of pain" takes center stage in the song. It highlights the universality of the human experience, showcasing that no one is spared from the pain and suffering that comes with living. The verse speaks to a concept of shared suffering, implying that we are all interconnected in some way, and that our experiences are not quite as isolated as we often think they are.
The verse "tangled mortal coil," repeated twice in the song, speaks to the complexities of life itself. The concept of a "mortal coil" comes from Shakespeare's Hamlet and refers to the mortal state of humanity. The phrase "tangled mortal coil" implies that life is messy, complicated, and can often be unpredictable.
Line by Line Meaning
Tearing down the walls
Breaking down barriers and limitations.
Breaching frontiers, unlocking the gates
Going beyond the boundaries, opening new opportunities.
To a new world disorder
Referring to a shift or change that will bring chaos or upheaval.
A fresh balance of terror, the equilibrium of hate
A new state of things where fear and hate are balanced, leading to unrest.
All flesh entwined, in the equality of pain
Acknowledging that everyone is susceptible to suffering.
Archaic nescience unleashed
Old-fashioned ignorance, once confined, is now free causing harm.
Entrenched, a bitter legacy
Deeply ingrained and difficult to change, leaving behind negative consequences.
Tempered in mental scars
Mentally wounded, having experienced trauma affecting one's behavior and emotions.
All flesh entwined in mortal equality
Despite differences in life, death is a common fate for all people.
Tangled mortal coil
Jumbled and complicated situation of life and death.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: J. WALKER, M. AMOTT, W. STEER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind