In their own words:
"Our story indicates the circle of love, from the enchantment of the infatuation, to the destructive mindframe that characterizes dying emotions, or love slipping away."
Their label was Massacre Records.
In the End Decides
Mortal Love Lyrics
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(Taken from "Of Grammatology" book by Jacques Derrida)
It can be difficult to grasp the meaning behind the lyrics of Mortal Love's "In the End Decides" without first exploring the context in which they were written. The lyrics are in fact an excerpt from Jacques Derrida's book "Of Grammatology." The passage speaks to the concept of the supplement, which is a term used to describe something that adds to or supplements something else. It is, in essence, an addition to a perceived deficiency.
The supplement, as Derrida explains, has two contrasting yet necessary significations. It can either "enrich another plenitude," adding a surplus of meaning or presence, or it can "replace" that which is lacking. It is the latter form of the supplement that is of particular interest in the song, as it relates to the idea of acting through others and the power of substitution.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of resignation and recognition that everything is being controlled by some outside force. The lyrics speak to the idea that things are being decided for us, whether by fate, society, or some other overarching power. This is reflected in the line "It's not me that decides, the end decides for me." The "end" acts as the supplement, filling a void and making decisions in place of the individual.
Overall, "In the End Decides" is a thought-provoking song that delves into complex philosophical ideas about power and control. Through the use of Derrida's ideas on the supplement, the lyrics provide commentary on the idea that we are not entirely free to make our own choices and that external factors play a significant role in shaping our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
In the end decides what we are
Ultimately, it is our decisions that define who we are.
In it everything is brought together
The supplement encompasses everything.
Progress as the possibility of perversion
The potential for corruption exists in progress.
Regression toward an evil that is not natural
We can revert to unnatural and immoral behavior.
And that adheres to the power of substitution
This behavior arises from the ability to act through others.
That permits us to absent ourselves and act by proxy
We can avoid responsibility through proxy actions.
Through the written
The ability to act through writing is an example of substitution.
Blindness to the supplement is the law
We tend to overlook the concept of the supplement.
We must begin wherever we are
We can only start from our current position.
The thought of the trace, which cannot take the scent into account
The concept of trace is limited in its scope.
Has already taught of the trace, which cannot not take the scent into account
This limitation has already been recognized.
Has already taught us that it was impossible to justify a point of departure absolutely
We cannot justify starting from any particular point.
Wherever we are: in a text where we already believe ourselves to be
Our starting point is often within a text we already believe in.
Contributed by Lily A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.