O Fortuna
Therion Lyrics

Therion's "O Fortuna" is a powerful song with intense lyrics that speak of the unpredictability of life and the struggle to maintain one's sanity amidst it all. The opening lines are particularly striking, comparing the fate of humanity to the phases of the moon: "O Fortuna, velut luna, statu variabilis / Semper crescis aut decrescis; vita detestabilis." This introduction sets the tone for the rest of the song, which explores the idea that life is filled with highs and lows, and that happiness and success can be fleeting.

As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the singer is struggling with the challenges of life. The lines "nunc, obdurat et tunc curat ludo mentis aciem / egestatem, potestatem dissolvit ut glaciem" suggest that the singer's mind is continually changing, sometimes becoming hardened and sometimes becoming more focused. The singer also speaks of feeling oppressed and powerless in the face of life's challenges: "Status malus, vana salus semper dissolubilis / Obumbrata, et velata michi quoque niteris." Finally, the singer calls on others to join them in mourning the injustices of life: "Nunc per ludum dorsum nudum fero tui sceleris / Sors salutis et virtutis michi nunc contraria / est affectus et defectus semper in angaria / Hac in hora sine mora corde pulsum tangite / quod per sortem sternit fortem, mecum omnes plangite!"

Overall, "O Fortuna" is a powerful song that speaks to the struggle of living in an unpredictable and often unjust world. Through its lyrics, the song explores the many ways in which life can be difficult and how people navigate these challenges.