Microcosm
Nossiennes Lyrics

The lyrics of Nossiennes's song "Microcosm" delve into the complex themes of perception, the passage of time, and the interplay between reality and projection. The opening lines—“Sight turns your word to dust”—suggest a critique of how physical perception can render verbal communication fragile or meaningless. This could imply that the act of seeing or observing can reduce the significance of language, as if words become insubstantial as they are subject to the interpretations and biases that come with individual perception. This notion of sight disintegrating meaning could also extend to the broader context of experiences, where the nuances of a situation can get lost in representation, akin to projecting a film that might not capture its essence.

The invitation to “venture out to the depth” hints at a yearning for exploration, both inwardly and outwardly. This could signify an attempt to dive into deeper truths that lie beneath the surface of everyday existence or knowledge. The phrase “take and leave a secret film” suggests a duality of experience—where one can both absorb and reject certain narratives or truths presented to them, much like how films can communicate compelling stories while simultaneously being a constructed fiction. This intersection of exploration and hidden narratives forms a rich thematic tapestry, illustrating a desire to confront the complexities of life and relationships, yet simultaneously acknowledging the limitations of perception and understanding.

The repeated reference to an audience falling asleep speaks to a disenchantment with passive consumption of experiences—a metaphor for how individuals often become jaded or indifferent to the nuances around them. In the context of the song, this could imply a sense of alienation as spectators to their own existence, where the richness of life fades into the background, overshadowed by routine or apathy. “Many figures; reactions” may evoke the complexity of human interactions and the various responses one can encounter while navigating through different contexts—yet, these reactions are subject to interpretations that keep changing, much like a film's ending can alter its beginning retrospectively. It highlights the weight of expectation versus reality in our interactions with others and the narratives we share.

As the song progresses, the refrain about the projectionist underscores the role of an observer who mediates this complex ‘film’—representing life’s moments, choices, and relationships. Just as a film is filtered through a projector that reveals certain frames while obscuring others, we also construct our understanding of life through selective observation. “The reflector in your secret film” implies the reflective aspect of self-exploration, suggesting that one must actively engage with their own narratives to derive meaning. Ultimately, “Microcosm” reflects on the fragile nature of perception and communication, touching upon the existential quest of understanding oneself and the world—a secret film that is both personal and universal, layered with depth and complexity, encouraging us to awaken from our metaphorical slumber and actively engage with life’s unfolding narrative.