Crownless
Nightwish - Topic Lyrics
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Trophy on her grave still remains unseen
A boat on the river confessing the sins
The Riddler revealing the deep hidden things
Crownless again shall be the king
A gull covered in oil with a broken wing
A hitcher on a road alone and lost
Iron sharpens iron - a truth that once was Mine is the Earth and the sword in the stone
Mine is the throne for the idol
One fleeting moment and it is all gone
Crownless again
Will I fall?
Roaming on razor-sharp castles
Ruling all but myself
(Now my night is laid to sleep)
One fragrant rose worth ten times what I am
A crippled begging a coin braver than I ever was
Reflection from me, Devil dressed in white
Chasten the being
Become what I once was
Mine is the Earth
Nightwish's song Crownless is a melancholic reflection on the transient and ephemeral nature of power, using imagery that is evocative and symbolic. The lyrics highlight how quickly one can lose their power and how helpless they can feel in the face of it. The repetition of "Crownless again" serves as a reminder that power is often fleeting and easily snatched away by fate.
The queen and the king are both without their crowns, their authority no longer in their hands despite the trophies and thrones they once held. The image of the gull covered in oil with a broken wing highlights the pain and the cruelty of the loss of power, while the wandering hitcher on the road reflects the feeling of being lost and alone. The use of the phrase "Iron sharpens iron" is a clear nod to the fact that often those in power are challenged or destroyed by those closest to them.
The lyrics are also introspective, as the singer reflects on their own struggles with the transience of power, and questions whether they too will fall. The reference to the sword in the stone and the throne for the idol reflect the pursuit of power and the often destructive force that it can become. The melancholic tone of the song reflects the pain and the fact that in this life, everything is fleeting and temporary.
Line by Line Meaning
Crownless again shall be the queen
The queen will be left without power once again, despite her previous reign.
Trophy on her grave still remains unseen
The queen may have accomplished great things, but no one recognizes or remembers them even after her death.
A boat on the river confessing the sins
Someone is making a confession while floating down a river.
The Riddler revealing the deep hidden things
Someone mysterious is sharing secrets and revealing hidden truths.
Crownless again shall be the king
The king will lose his power just like the queen before him.
A gull covered in oil with a broken wing
A bird is injured and dirty, representing how something beautiful can become broken and tarnished.
A hitcher on a road alone and lost
Someone is wandering aimlessly on a deserted road, feeling lost and alone.
Iron sharpens iron - a truth that once was
People used to believe that challenges and conflicts can make someone stronger.
Mine is the Earth and the sword in the stone
The artist claims ownership over the Earth and the legendary sword stuck in the stone.
Mine is the throne for the idol
The artist feels like they should be worshipped and respected like a king.
One fleeting moment and it is all gone
Success and glory can be lost in an instant.
Crownless again
The cycle of powerlessness repeats itself.
Will I fall?
The singer is afraid of losing their power and falling from grace.
Roaming on razor-sharp castles
The singer feels like they are living in a dangerous and unstable situation.
Ruling all but myself
The singer is in charge of everything except for their own fate and emotions.
(Now my night is laid to sleep)
The night, representing darkness and uncertainty, has come to an end.
One fragrant rose worth ten times what I am
The artist feels insignificant compared to something as beautiful and valuable as a rose.
A crippled begging a coin braver than I ever was
Even someone who is physically disabled and begging for money can be braver than the singer.
Reflection from me, Devil dressed in white
The singer sees a devilish side of themselves reflected in their actions.
Chasten the being
The artist wants to improve themselves.
Become what I once was
The artist wants to go back to a previous state or version of themselves.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ERNO MATTI JUHANI VUORINEN, JUKKA ANTERO NEVALAINEN, SAMI TUURE PETTERI VAENSKAE, TARJA SOILE SUSANNA TURUNEN, TERO KALLE SAKARI KINNUNEN, TUOMAS LAURI JOHANNES HOLOPAINEN
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