Anteroom
EMA Lyrics

The lyrics of EMA's song 'Anteroom' suggest a theme of accepting inevitability, possibly in the face of death. The singer acknowledges that they are in the anteroom, a waiting room or entryway that suggests a barrier between the present moment and whatever comes next. They sense the ghost in the machine, perhaps referring to the ethereal essence that animates physical beings, or a more metaphorical aspect, such as the residue or shadow left behind by the functioning of technological devices. The singer seems to be at peace with this, stating that no one needs to worry or be afraid because they will get exactly what is coming to them.

The next verse includes the line "Said he was a fag but you know he was a pretty man," which implies a sexual encounter or a romantic desire that may have been stigmatized or marginalized. This could be seen as a commentary on the societal norms that restrict certain types of love or a reference to the idea that death can come for anyone, no matter what their perceived status or identity may be. The reference to touching something while it's cold and there being nothing left to hold suggests a sense of finality and acceptance.

The chorus repeats the idea that taking something once will make everything fine, but it's unclear what this is referring to. It could be a reference to taking a drug to ease pain or a broader statement about the human desire for escapism or denial. The final lines of the song suggest a belief in reincarnation or the idea that there will be another chance to get things right if this time does not work out.

Overall, EMA's 'Anteroom' takes an almost resigned stance towards mortality, suggesting that accepting what comes next and finding peace in that is the best strategy. It is a somewhat somber but also accepting ballad that speaks to the inevitability of our mortality.