Memento Mori
Nina C. Young Lyrics

The lyrics of Nina C. Young's song "Memento Mori" encapsulate the theme of change, impermanence, and the fleeting nature of relationships and life itself. The singer reflects on a profound transformation happening within, a change that makes the familiar seem strange and foreign. This internal shift is metaphorically represented by the imagery of being separated from a loved one, with one person "out at sea" and the other "ashore." The wounds of separation are poignant and constant, emphasizing the pain of distance and the inevitability of change.

The comparison between the singer being a "window pane" and their partner being a "fist" suggests a delicate vulnerability contrasted with a forceful nature. This imagery implies a sense of fragility and the potential for harm or impact. The waxing and waning of the moon symbolizes the cyclical nature of relationships, how they change and evolve over time, mirroring the ebb and flow of emotions and connections.

The repetition of the phrase "This night is fading like a photograph" underscores the transitory nature of moments and memories. The singer acknowledges the inevitability of impermanence, recognizing that some things are simply not meant to last. The acceptance of this reality is bittersweet, showcasing a resignation to the passage of time and the ephemeral nature of life's experiences.

The chorus, where the singer's partner urges them to remember "memento mori" and to heed the warnings of mortality, further intensifies the theme of impermanence and the urgency of living in the present moment. The fear of the looming possibility of death lends a sense of urgency to the relationship, emphasizing the need to embrace the fleeting time they have together. The repeated refrain of fading like a photograph evokes a sense of nostalgia and memory, highlighting the poignant recognition of moments slipping away and the acceptance that some things, including the relationship itself, may not endure.