Anima
Sopor Aeternus Lyrics
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My breast are still small and my voice is so deep.
The Woman I am unable (she cannot) feel love,
I wish to cut my genitals and feed them to the dogs.
The woman I am prepared to receive the pain.
The needles shall burn only the ugly remains.
Suppression is impossible, I must live it out,
My true self is female how could I ever doubt...
The lyrics of Sopor Aeternus's song "Anima" bring forth the distress and the pain that the transgender community feels in a society that is not accepting of them. The first two lines illustrate how the transgender person does not see themselves mirrored in the image that the society imposes on them. They feel trapped within a body that does not align with their true identity. The mention of breast and deep voice points towards the physical characteristics that do not match their inner self.
The following lines reveal the agony of the transgender person's inability to love themselves. They wish to perform an extreme act of self-mutilation by cutting their genitals, conveying the depths of despair they experience. The next line brings forth the theme of self-harm and its acceptance. The pain that they receive through needle piercing is not to punish themselves, but it is out of love for their true self. The last line expresses the agony of doubting one's identity, but it also gives the message of self-acceptance and self-love.
Overall, the lyrics of the song personify the emotional and psychological journey of the transgender community. Society's norms and expectations impose immense pressure on the transgender person, leading to a negative impact on their mental health, self-worth, and self-love.
Line by Line Meaning
The Woman I am no mirror can see
No external reflection can capture or define my true identity as a woman
My breast are still small and my voice is so deep
Despite physical characteristics that may be associated with masculinity, I am still a woman at my core
The Woman I am unable (she cannot) feel love
As someone who is often marginalized and rejected for my true identity, love is something that seems unattainable
I wish to cut my genitals and feed them to the dogs
The desire to shed the physical evidence of my gender identity is so strong, it feels like it would be a relief to simply dispose of it
The woman I am prepared to receive the pain
In pursuit of living as my true self, I am willing to endure the physical and emotional pain that may come with it
The needles shall burn only the ugly remains
Any physical alterations I make through transition or surgery are simply removing the aspects of my body that do not align with my true self, leaving only beauty behind
Suppression is impossible, I must live it out
Simply hiding and denying my true identity is not an option, I must live as my authentic self to find peace and happiness
My true self is female how could I ever doubt...
Despite outside forces that may try to invalidate or reject my identity, deep down I know that I am truly female and have always been
Contributed by Nora D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.