Theatre of Tragedy was a gothic metal band, originally assembled in 1993 in… Read Full Bio ↴Theatre of Tragedy was a gothic metal band, originally assembled in 1993 in Stavanger, Norway by Hein Frode Hansen, Raymond István Rohonyi and Lorentz Aspen, together with Tommy Lindal, Pål Bjastad, and Liv Kristine.

Their earlier albums have provided a great deal of influence to the gothic metal genre. The band was one of the first ones who made use of contrasting vocals - male bass vocals and death growls and female soprano singing.

On their first three albums (Theatre of Tragedy, Velvet Darkness They Fear, Aégis) Theatre of Tragedy presented lyrics written predominantly in Early Modern English, a precedent to modern English used in and around Shakespearean times.

Starting from the album Musique, however, the band made drastic changes to their style, which became significantly inspired by electro-rock and electro-pop, abandoning Early Modern English lyrics writing, heavier guitar riffing and death growls in the process. This style change was consequently continued on the following album, Assembly.

After a long break and after changing the female vocalist due to musical differences, and furthermore their management and the record label, Theatre of Tragedy released their new album Storm, the first one with their new singer, Nell Sigland (from The Crest).
On this album, the electronic influences are reduced again in favour of simplicity and naturalism. According to Hein Frode Hansen, Storm is to be seen as the missing link between Aégis and Musique.

The new album Forever is the World, reverts back to the gothic metal roots, but keeps the atmospheric metal styling of Storm. The band said the album was very much written by Nell as well as other band members, moreover it was partially written before Storm was. It is seen to be more organic than their last 3 albums and has been both praised and criticised by fans, though most publications seem to praise it from being different to the symphonic metal that is very much popularised in today's music industry.

The band split on October 2nd, 2010, exactly 17 years after forming. The final curtain show was played in Stavanger, Norway and was recorded live for a later DVD release.

Final lineup:
* Raymond István Rohonyi - Vocals & Programming
* Nell Sigland - Vocals - (The Crest)
* Frank Claussen - Guitars
* Vegard K. Thorsen - Guitars
* Lorentz Aspen - Keyboards
* Hein Frode Hansen - Drums - (ex-Phobia)

Former members:
* Liv Kristine Espenæs Krull - Vocals - (Leaves' Eyes, Liv Kristine, Atrocity (guest), Cradle of Filth (guest))
* Tommy Lindal - Guitars
* Tommy Olsson - Guitars
* Pål Bjåstad - Guitars
* Geir Flikkeid - Guitars
* Eirik T. Saltrø - Bass

Albums:
1995 - Theatre of Tragedy
1996 - Velvet Darkness They Fear
1998 - Aégis
2000 - Musique
2001 - Closure: Live
2002 - Assembly
2003 - Two Originals (Compilation)
2006 - Storm
2009 - Forever is the World

Singles and EPs:
1994 - Theatre of Tragedy Demo (Demo)
1996 - Der Tanz Der Schatten (Single)
1997 - A Rose for the Dead (EP)
1998 - Cassandra (Single)
2000 - Image (Single)
2001 - Machine (Single)
2001 - Inperspective (EP)
2002 - Let You Down (Single)
2002 - Envision (Single)
2006 - Storm (Single)
2010 - Addenda (EP)

Official site: www.theatreoftragedy.com

Motion
Theatre of Tragedy Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I run as fast as I can
To get a ride
To ride on this wave is all I dream of
I want to catch up with the distant sight
I create my speed the way I breathe

I can move
I can fly

I can fly, I can float, I can fly
I can groove, I can move so high in the sky
So high in the sky

I swim as far as I can
To reach the tide
To be in that wave is all I long for
I take my power from my own arms
I sustain this pain cause I can't cry
I swim as far as I can
To reach the tide
To be in that wave is all I long for

I can move
I can fly
I can fly, I can float, I can fly

I can groove, I can move so high in the sky
So high in the sky

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Theatre of Tragedy's "Motion" speak of the desire to catch up with and join a metaphorical "wave". The song speaks to the all-consuming need to achieve a dream, and the lengths to which one will go to obtain it. The opening lines describe the singer running as fast as they can to catch up with the wave, to be part of something larger than themselves. The use of the word "dream" emphasizes the abstract and powerful nature of the singer's goal.

The second verse takes on a more aquatic metaphor, with the singer swimming as far as they can to reach the tide. The repetition of the phrase "to be in that wave is all I long for" emphasizes the singular focus of the singer's ambition. The line "I take my power from my own arms" speaks to the idea of self-determination, and the willingness to endure hardship to achieve a goal. The final repetition of the chorus reiterates the feelings of immense hope and possibility, culminating in the phrase "So high in the sky", which speaks to the almost divine nature of the singer's aspirations.

Line by Line Meaning

I run as fast as I can
I push myself physically to my utmost limits.

To get a ride
I hope to catch a metaphorical wave of success or recognition.

To ride on this wave is all I dream of
Attaining this goal is the sole focus of my aspirations.

I want to catch up with the distant sight
I desire to close the gap between my current position and my future ambitions.

I create my speed the way I breathe
I use my own willpower and internal drive to pursue my goals.

I can move
I possess agency and the power to affect change in my own life.

I can fly
My hopes and dreams can soar and take me to new heights.

I can fly, I can float, I can fly
I have endless potential to pursue my dreams in a variety of ways.

I can groove, I can move so high in the sky
I possess a unique combination of skills that bring me closer to achieving my dreams.

So high in the sky
I aspire to reach new heights of success and fulfillment.

I swim as far as I can
I expend all my efforts to achieve my goals.