"Shortly after releasing "As a Dog Returns" in 2010, Victor rejoined Pentagram for a two-year album & tour stint. Upon departing Pentagram, he founded a new project, Victor Griffin's In-Graved."
Masters of Jest
Place Of Skulls Lyrics
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But therein lies the ways of death
It takes a lot of trying to keep on denying
Paupers and peasants, masters of jest
Unrealized, mortality thrives
Finally gives way to the ending age
No strenght in numbers, wing left or right
All our ways that seem so right
Lay inside the ways of death
All our trying and our denying
Paupers and peasants, masters of jest
The lyrics of "Masters of Jest" by Place of Skulls point out that people often think they are doing the right things in their lives, but the perspectives they have accepted as correct might not be enough to discover the true meaning of life. The way people think is often flawed, and this leads them to wrong decisions, which ultimately bring about their end. The undying pursuit of materialistic pleasures makes them deny the true purpose of existence, and they become like paupers and peasants. These people are nothing but masters of jest, who don't realize their ignorance, thinking they have everything figured out, when they are really lost and directionless.
The second paragraph of the song emphasizes the inevitability of death that looms over everyone's life. Even those who think they have discovered the true meaning of life, they cannot escape their inevitable fate. They realize little too late that their attempts at finding salvation, whether through earthly pleasure or spiritual enlightenment, make no difference in the grand scheme of things. In the end, everything turns into ashes in the wake of time's decay. The song's message is meant to remind listeners that life has so much more to offer than what they usually focus their attention on, but often fail to realize it until it's too late.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a way that seems right unto mankind
Human beings often believe they know what is best, but this is not always the case.
But therein lies the ways of death
These self-assured paths can often lead one to doom.
It takes a lot of trying to keep on denying
Even when faced with one's own weaknesses and limitations, it can be difficult to acknowledge them.
Paupers and peasants, masters of jest
Despite their lack of power or influence, those who see life for what it truly is can be seen as the true masters of this world.
Unrealized, mortality thrives
Often people do not realize the true nature of their own mortality which can lead to a lack of fulfillment.
Finally gives way to the ending age
Ultimately, everyone will come to face their own end and time will move on without them.
No strength in numbers, wing left or right
Even when joined with others, people must still face their own destinies and cannot rely solely on the support of others.
The Morning Light brings times decay
No matter how bright and promising things may seem, everything eventually fades away and falls into decay.
All our ways that seem so right
People tend to believe they know what is best for themselves, even when this may not be the case.
Lay inside the ways of death
These paths can often lead to ruin and destruction.
All our trying and our denying
Despite our efforts to avoid them, we cannot escape the realities of life and death.
Paupers and peasants, masters of jest
Despite the lack of power or wealth, those who accept and understand the nature of life are the true rulers of the world.
Contributed by Owen G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.