Growing up in Malibu, California, she began learning the violin at the age of four and left regular school five years later with the goal of becoming a world-class violinist; she practiced eight or nine hours a day and read a wide range of literature. Progressing to writing her own music, she studied under various teachers and went to Indiana University, which she left over issues regarding the relationship between classical music and the appearance of the performer. Through her own independent label Traitor Records, Autumn debuted with her classical album On a Day: Music for Violin & Continuo, followed by the release in 2003 of her album Enchant.
She appeared in singer Courtney Love's backing band on her 2004 America's Sweetheart tour and returned to Europe. She released the 2006 album Opheliac with the German label Trisol Music Group. In 2007, she released Laced/Unlaced; the re-release of On a Day... appeared as Laced with songs on the electric violin as Unlaced. She later left Trisol to join New York-based The End Records in 2009 and release Opheliac in the United States, where previously it had only been available as an import. Currently she is on tour to promote her newest album Fight Like A Girl. She played the role of Painted Doll in Darren Lynn Bousman's 2012 film The Devil's Carnival.
In Praise of Cyrano
Emilie Autumn Lyrics
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This is most true
But others have faults greater still
A noble profile was his rue
But many have done greater ill
And yet he would not show
His love
Nor let her know
Though he was near
He dared not tell her so
Now why was he the only man
To see himself not worth his prize?
About myself they plot and plan
How to find favour in my eyes
But never do they guess
That I might think them less
Than one who chose
Due to his nose
To love
But not confess
The lyrics to Emilie Autumn's song "In Praise of Cyrano" explores the idea of unrequited love and the fear of revealing one's true feelings. The song is inspired by the French playwright and duelist Cyrano de Bergerac, who was known for his wit and bravery in battle, but also for his large, unattractive nose.
The first verse acknowledges that Cyrano had a fault, but suggests that it was not as great as the faults of others. His "noble profile" was his downfall, as it made him feel unworthy of love and prevented him from expressing his feelings to the woman he loved. Despite being close to her, he would not show his love or let her know that she was important to him.
The second verse contrasts Cyrano's reluctance with the behavior of others, who try to win favor with the singer but are unaware that their efforts are in vain. The singer admires Cyrano for his honesty and self-awareness, and suggests that his choice to love but not confess is more admirable than the false flattery of others.
Overall, the lyrics to "In Praise of Cyrano" celebrate the beauty of unrequited love and the bravery it takes to love without expectation or demand.
Line by Line Meaning
He had a fault
He possessed some imperfection
This is most true
The previous statement is factually correct
But others have faults greater still
Compared to others, his shortcomings were less significant
A noble profile was his rue
His distinctive physical feature was his regret
But many have done greater ill
Other people have inflicted more harm than he did.
And yet he would not show
He refused to reveal
His love
His strong affection
Nor let her know
He didn't make her aware
That she was dear
That she was precious or valued
Though he was near
Even though he was in her company
He dared not tell her so
He didn't have the courage to confess his feelings
Now why was he the only man
What motivated him to be the only individual
To see himself not worth his prize?
To perceive himself as not deserving of his object of affection?
About myself they plot and plan
They scheme and strategize about me
How to find favour in my eyes
How to gain my approval or affection
But never do they guess
They never surmise or speculate
That I might think them less
That I may perceive them as mediocre
Than one who chose
Than the person who picked
Due to his nose
Because of his large nostrils
To love
To have an amorous fondness
But not confess
But not reveal his emotions
Contributed by Aria K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
FaeryRibbon
Aww. This is so sweet!