Best described as "introverted exhibitionism", the holistic concept of their ritualistic/Jungian art is not necessarily rooted in the grounds of a commonly accepted sense of aesthetics – which is one of the many aspects that gives their work its serious and most unique character. Though their music playfully fuses elements of classical, baroque, medieval, and even electronic music, the essence of Sopor Aeternus & The Ensemble of Shadows always remains entirely "goth".
Despite the fact that to this very day they still refuse to perform live in front of a human audience, Sopor Aeternus & The Ensemble of Shadows have long gathered cult status in underground circles worldwide.
Strongly recommended to be approached only with an open heart and mind, the profound darkness (and occasionally subversive humour) of their multi-layered (yet fragile) art is mainly intended as a spiritual healing-process for the wounded soul.
The Simple Joys Of Maidenhood
Sopor Aeternus & The Ensemble of Shadows Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
he scrutinises circling clockwise
counting two out of the three
slightly above the first degree
"Has there been blood?"
he asks politely as once a year we do explore
gateways towards
Plutonian shores
Some are caused by downward pressure
so don't strain when opening bowels
the simple joys of maidenhood
the red-eyed fox is on the prowl
Rubber-bands for arteries
these Indian seeds do soak like flees
reduce the use of salts and lose some weight
walk half an hour every day
I openly dislike your vagueness
in handling hours we appoint
but when you choose
your pronouns rightly
I do silently rejoice
Some are caused by downward pressure
so don't strain when opening bowels
the simple joys of maidenhood
the red-eyed fox is on the prowl
So listen closely girls and boys
this song is about hemorrhoids
Not anyone's but mine of course
a secret part I now disclose
The lyrics to Sopor Aeternus & The Ensemble of Shadows's song "The Simple Joys Of Maidenhood" may seem puzzling and cryptic at first glance. The song appears to be about the taboo topic of hemorrhoids, with lines like "Some are caused by downward pressure / so don't strain when opening bowels / the simple joys of maidenhood / the red-eyed fox is on the prowl". The main character in the song is concerned about whether or not there has been blood, which could be a sign of a hemorrhoid. The lyrics also advise on ways to prevent them, such as reducing salt intake and walking for half an hour every day.
Beyond the literal interpretation of the lyrics, there are likely deeper meanings at play. The mention of "gateways towards Plutonian shores" suggests a metaphorical journey into the underworld, perhaps alluding to death or the afterlife. The line "I openly dislike your vagueness / in handling hours we appoint / but when you choose your pronouns rightly / I do silently rejoice" could be interpreted as a comment on communication and the importance of being clear and direct with one's language.
Line by Line Meaning
Where the exit-door leads in
The location of the exit-door is being observed
he scrutinises circling clockwise
The observer carefully examines the surroundings by moving in a clockwise direction
counting two out of the three
Two particular items are being counted out of a total of three
slightly above the first degree
The level of measurement is just above the first degree
"Has there been blood?"
A question about the presence of blood is being asked
he asks politely as once a year we do explore
The question is asked in a polite manner, as part of an annual exploration
with my head resting on the pillow
The singer is lying down with their head on a pillow
gateways towards
The observer is approaching a series of gateways
Plutonian shores
The gateways lead to Plutonian shores (a metaphorical reference to the underworld)
Some are caused by downward pressure
Hemorrhoids can be caused by downward pressure
so don't strain when opening bowels
To prevent hemorrhoids, avoid pushing too hard when having a bowel movement
the simple joys of maidenhood
Hemorrhoids are not restricted to any particular demographic or gender
the red-eyed fox is on the prowl
Another metaphorical reference to the pain of hemorrhoids
Rubber-bands for arteries
A treatment method for hemorrhoids involves using rubber-bands to cut off blood flow
these Indian seeds do soak like flees
Another potential treatment for hemorrhoids involves soaking Indian seeds that function like fleas (i.e. absorb liquid)
reduce the use of salts and lose some weight
To prevent hemorrhoids, reduce your salt intake and try to lose weight
walk half an hour every day
Exercise can also help prevent hemorrhoids
I openly dislike your vagueness
The singer disapproves of someone's lack of clarity
in handling hours we appoint
The lack of clarity is related to scheduling or time management
but when you choose
There is a specific scenario when the person's language is appropriate
your pronouns rightly
The person's use of pronouns is correct
I do silently rejoice
The artist is pleased but not expressing it outwardly
So listen closely girls and boys
The singer is addressing the audience
this song is about hemorrhoids
The topic of the song (and this section) is hemorrhoids
Not anyone's but mine of course
The specific experience being discussed is the singer's own
a secret part I now disclose
The singer is sharing a personal secret about their health
Contributed by Elijah S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.