PUTRID PERFUMES
Qual Lyrics


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On ancient beds
Our love has stained
Beside ancient temples
We kissed

My body is a dying cathedral
Without you
Putrid perfumes
Putrid perfumes
Cover my skull

On ancient beds
Our love has stained
Beside ancient temples
We kissed

My body is a dying cathedral
Without you
Putrid perfumes




Putrid perfumes
Cover my skull

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Qual's song "Putrid Perfumes" create an atmosphere of sadness and nostalgia. The imagery of "ancient beds" and "ancient temples" implies a time long ago, and the repetition of "our love has stained" suggests a cherished memory that has left a mark. The comparison of the singer's body to a "dying cathedral" further emphasizes the feeling of loss - a cathedral represents grandeur and beauty, but also age and decay. Without the subject of the singer's love, their body is empty and lifeless.


The repeated chorus of "Putrid perfumes" adds to the mournful mood. Perfumes can usually be associated with pleasant scents and memories, but the use of "putrid" turns this expectation upside down. The negative connotation of the phrase suggests that the memories associated with the perfume are not pleasant or desirable. The final line "cover my skull" could imply that the negative memories or emotions associated with the perfume have taken over the singer's mind.


Overall, the lyrics paint a picture of a love lost, a world and a time long past, and a feeling of emptiness and decay in the present. The use of vivid imagery and unexpected phrases creates a haunting atmosphere that captures the feeling of mourning.


Line by Line Meaning

On ancient beds
Our love has endured the test of time and transpired on beds that are generations old.


Our love has stained
Our love has left a permanent mark on those ancient beds - a physical reminder of our passion.


Beside ancient temples
Our love has taken place on sacred land, next to structures built by our ancestors.


We kissed
Our love is not limited to just physical acts, but included intimate moments of affection.


My body is a dying cathedral
My body is a sacred place, like a Cathedral, but without your love and affection, it is now in a state of decay.


Without you
My body is unable to thrive without the love and affection that only you can provide.


Putrid perfumes
The fragrances that once brought me joy and pleasure now repulse me, a result of my toxic state of mind without your presence.


Putrid perfumes
The unpleasant smells are a reflection of how I feel inside - rotten and unloved.


Cover my skull
The stench is all-consuming, taking over my mind and thoughts until they are overwhelmed by our love's absence.




Contributed by Hannah E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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