Vigil
Ulver Lyrics
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Who used to be
And now are
In the dark
Light a candle
And say their name
One last time
We will follow
When time comes
To pray for life
To begin again
To eternity
A flower will open
On the grave
Ulver's song Vigil is a deeply emotional and introspective ballad that shines a light on the concept of letting go of loved ones and embracing the realities of life and death. The opening lines set a mournful tone as the lyrics speak directly to those who used to exist but have now faded into the darkness. The next stanza calls on those still alive to light a candle and say their name one last time, a symbolic gesture intended to honor and remember the departed.
Perhaps the most poignant moment of the song comes in the second half when the lyrics mention a time when we must pray for life to begin again. This can be interpreted as a reference to the cycle of death and rebirth, or the hope for something new and beautiful to emerge from the ashes of what has been lost. The final line, "A flower will open on the grave," adds an extra layer of meaning to this sentiment, as it suggests that even in the midst of loss and sorrow, there is still beauty and growth to be found.
Line by Line Meaning
For those
This implies that the following lines are directed towards a particular group of people.
Who used to be
Refers to individuals who were present or alive before but are not anymore, could be due to death or other reasons.
And now are
Suggests that these individuals are absent in the present time or no more among the living.
In the dark
This phrase here does not only mean a lack of light but could also imply being lost or without direction.
Light a candle
Inviting an act of bringing light, significance, and hope into the situation or ceremony about to occur.
And say their name
Recalling and acknowledging the presence and impact of the missing individuals among those gathered.
One last time
This is implying that this could be the very last moment for such a ceremony to occur, possibly the end of an era.
Let them go
The message here is about letting go of the memories and the period that the preceding individuals once shared with the present individuals.
We will follow
The people in attendance affirm their intention not to forget, and they will follow the spirit of the departed individuals.
When times come
Implies that it's not just a one-time event but can gradually occur when the right moment arises.
To pray for life
This reveals that they're not just mourning but praying and hoping for something positive and lively to arise.
To begin again
The death or absence of the individuals marked an end point, with their departure allowing a new beginning or a fresh start among those present.
To eternity
The end goal of the process is that it will last forever and never forget the memories of the departed ones.
A flower will open
This line is a metaphor that the situation will bear new life or new things will begin to grow and sprout.
On the grave
Refers to the resting place of the dead, and it could be symbolic of something beautiful coming out of the hard or sad events that took place.
Contributed by Grayson G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.