The group takes its name from Shakespeare. In particular Hamlet's soliloquy To be, or not to be, where it refers to dying; "coil" is used in its archaic sense of "disturbance, trouble":
"What dreams may come, when we have shuffled off this mortal coil, must give us pause."
Hamlet, Act III, Scene 1, line 67.
The Lacemaker
This Mortal Coil Lyrics
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The Lacemaker by This Mortal Coil is a hauntingly beautiful and melancholic song that speaks to the transitory and dangerous nature of dreams. In the opening lines, the singer muses that dreams are like water, slippery and elusive, with the power to transport and transform us. The analogy of water is intriguing, as water can be both life-giving and dangerous, just like dreams. Dreams are often ephemeral and we never know when they might slip away, leaving us struggling to hold on to their meaning.
The lyrics then delve into the fragility of human existence, highlighting the fundamental impermanence of life. The words "This mortal coil, all your pain is in vain" capture the sense of futility that often accompanies our struggles in life. The Lacemaker's message is clear: we are all mere mortal beings, with limited time on this earth, and we must embrace the present moment as best we can. The song conveys a sense of both mourning and acceptance as it illuminates the bittersweet nature of existence.
Line by Line Meaning
Dreams are like water, colourless and dangerous
Dreams are intangible and can be deceiving like water, which is clear and can hide danger underneath the surface.
They lift us up above the clouds, then cast us down as though in anger
Dreams have the power to elevate us to great heights but can also abruptly bring us back down to reality, as though punishing us for daring to dream.
I walked through summer's shimmering heat, with lips as dry as the desert
The singer has experienced a prolonged period of discomfort and thirst, possibly due to their pursuit of a dream or goal during a trying time.
When you have gone, forever from me, who will remember your voice
The artist reflects on the potential loss of someone dear to them and wonders if their memory will fade with time, leaving only a whisper of their voice in their mind.
Or the smile that flickered like springtime, across your face once or twice
The artist reminisces on fond memories of a loved one and the fleeting moments of joy and happiness that they once shared.
Dreams are like water, impossible to hold in your hands
Much like water, dreams cannot be grasped or controlled, no matter how desperately one reaches for them.
Nothing lasts, it's all a memory
The transient nature of life and the inevitable passing of time mean that everything, including one's dreams and aspirations, is destined to become a distant memory.
All your life your shadow's been beside you
The artist addresses the idea of a constant companion throughout life, comparing it to a shadow that is always present, following the individual wherever they go.
You've never known a time when it wasn't there
The artist emphasizes the ever-present and inescapable nature of the companion, illustrating that it has always been a part of the individual's life and identity.
I walked through summer, as if it were winter, alone and without you
Even during a time typically associated with warmth and vibrancy, the artist feels cold and isolated, missing the presence of their companion.
Who will remember your voice
The singer repeats the question from earlier, underscoring the importance of memory and legacy.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOHN FRYER, MARTIN MCGARRICK, NICHOLAS JOHN FRYER, RUSSELL IVO WATTS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Luca Marks
But then something very strange happened, But no one knew of any alternative, It would unleash ghosts from the past, In another part of the world someone had a very different idea
Johanna Zamora
I lived this album day and night in the 90's. Dreams are like water, colorless and dangerous.
Susan Clouse
I haven't heard this in years, so glad I found it. What a hauntingly beautiful song.
Zahra Djam
Mes années internat et lycée... Ma jeunesse... L'époque où j'écoutais cet album si mélancolique et gothique... Où la noirceur accompagnait ma solitude... Et les paysages aussi me renvoyaient tels des tableaux... Les reflets de mon âme mélancolique et pleine d'espoir d'amour...
M L
La vie est belle .......
Christophe Luc
pareil, tout pareil
desertshore
an awesomely ambient piece...
Steven Lesperance
a masterpiece of an album. lost mine centuries ago.......
masscomnet
@Steven Lesperance I still have mine.
Eduardo Teodoro Bracamonte Álvarez
MASTERPIECE