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.
What Will I Remember?
Emilie Autumn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What will I forget?
When this life is ended, and gone,
What will I regret?
If tomorrow I don't wake up
What happens?
My sunrise or sunset?
If I never were born, if I never died, would it even matter at all?
What should I decide?
I always imagined i'd mean something to someone.
If I won't, least I tried.
When my body suffers
When to breathe is pain
Is it really madness to sing?
Think of breaking this chain
Is the future my- god knows I have a past
Wheres my second chapter?
Or will the first, also be my last?
Is my story over?
If i fall asleep?
Will anybody find me and will anybody weep?
I can't even pretend I care.
But songs I never sing,
That means something
Yes.
That means something.
In this song, Emilie Autumn is reflecting on the ephemeral nature of life and contemplating what truly matters in the end. She poses a series of questions about what she will remember, forget, and regret when her time on earth is done. She also wonders about the significance of her life and existence - do her actions and choices ultimately matter, or is it all for naught? Autumn sings about her fear of dying alone and her hope that, at the very least, her music will leave some sort of impression on the world.
The lyrics also touch on how music can act as a comfort and a form of escapism during difficult times. Even when her body is in pain and the future seems uncertain, Autumn suggests that singing can be a powerful tool for breaking free from the chains of fear and negativity.
One of the most interesting aspects of this song is how it showcases Emilie Autumn's unique blend of classical and rock music. She incorporates elements of both genres into the song's instrumentation and vocal delivery, creating a sound that is both hauntingly beautiful and undeniably intense. Additionally, the lyrics reveal a deep sense of emotion and vulnerability that is characteristic of Autumn's work as a whole.
Line by Line Meaning
What will I remember?
What will be the things that I will carry with me as memories?
What will I forget?
What will be the things that I will forget after this life ends?
When this life is ended, and gone,
When I leave this life and it's all over
What will I regret?
What will be the things that I will regret after this is all over?
If tomorrow I don't wake up
If I were to die tomorrow,
What happens?
What happens to me and the world if I die?
My sunrise or sunset?
Would I have seen my last sunrise or sunset?
If I never were born, if I never died, would it even matter at all?
If I never existed or never died, would my presence make any difference?
What should I decide?
What choices should I make that will make my existence worthwhile?
I always imagined I'd mean something to someone.
I always believed that I would make a significant impact on somebody's life, no matter how small.
If I won't, at least I tried.
If I never get the chance to make this impact, I can at least say that I tried.
When my body suffers
When my body is in pain
When to breathe is pain
When even breathing becomes painful
Is it really madness to sing?
Is singing during this pain considered madness?
Think of breaking this chain
Consider the possibility of breaking free from this never-ending cycle of pain.
Is the future my- god knows I have a past
I am uncertain about the future because of the events of my past.
Where's my second chapter?
Where is my chance to start anew, to have a second life?
Or will the first, also be my last?
Is this life my only chance?
Is my story over?
Has my story ended?
If I fall asleep?
If I were to die in my sleep?
Will anybody find me and will anybody weep?
Would anyone find my body and mourn my death?
I can't even pretend I care.
I cannot even put up a facade of caring anymore.
But songs I never sing, That means something
The songs I choose not to sing have their own unspoken meaning.
Yes. That means something.
It still means something, even if it's left unsaid.
Contributed by Taylor Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Quickprotrading
I am a big fan of Emilie Autumn since I first time listen to her album opheliac 2006. What an unique singing style and how beautiful her composition. She is so creative, unique and such a great talent. I wish this great singer all the great success, fame & love that she deserves. Truly a great artist.
@onenonlytinx4330
I first discovered Emilie on YouTube from the song one foot in front of another. For some reason I never branches out to her other music but I would always listen. A couple months ago I discovered nothing from her book. Immediately I bought the book and read it within a few days. To this day it is one of my favorite books next to the song of Achilles. Thank you so much for sharing parts of your life with us and for continuing to make music
@galactica_voice
How beautiful 🤗 thanks for wonderful music 🌹 I adore it 💚🎶😍
@kenny_is_sleepy1668
Definitely going on my list of audition songs. I hope everything is going well with your musical, everyone who I come across hears about you and your work from me at some point!
@RedGoldGreen-Dub
Beautiful just how I remember hearing your art that made my heart ache with numbness as I feel the pain in what you sing brings a tear to my eyes 💙
@marjhuncantago9476
Emotional Song, nice song Emilie!!! <3
@midnightwaterfairy
Whattttt so beautiful ✨🖤✨🖤✨