Like much of this album, Thom Yorke seems to have written this song with Goethe's Faust in mind.
I like to think that this song specifically captures the odd relationship between Faust and Mephistopheles-where the later is cast as "the Reckoner", and the former is the narrator.
What the Reckoner can't take with him is Faust/Thom Yorke's soul, and throughout the play Faust was ostensibly "dancing for your (Mephistopheles') pleasure."
The second stanza/verse thing describes the way Faust felt on his death bed; accepting of his punishment. The "ripples on a black shore" may refer to the lapping waters of the river styx, by which Mephistopheles would remain in hell while Faust was spared and accepted into heaven. Specifically, I think that the ripples describe a disturbance in the flow of souls to hell. After all, Faust 's soul was thoroughly damned until God's last-minute verdict.
Even if I'm WAY off with all this, I still think that this song takes on an interesting meaning when interpreted as such.
Like much of this album, Thom Yorke seems to have written this song with Goethe's Faust in mind.
I like to think that this song specifically captures the odd relationship between Faust and Mephistopheles-where the later is cast as "the Reckoner", and the former is the narrator.
What the Reckoner can't take with him is Faust/Thom Yorke's soul, and throughout the play Faust was ostensibly "dancing for your (Mephistopheles') pleasure."
The second stanza/verse thing describes the way Faust felt on his death bed; accepting of his punishment. The "ripples on a black shore" may refer to the lapping waters of the river styx, by which Mephistopheles would remain in hell while Faust was spared and accepted into heaven. Specifically, I think that the ripples describe a disturbance in the flow of souls to hell. After all, Faust 's soul was thoroughly damned until God's last-minute verdict.
Even if I'm WAY off with all this, I still think that this song takes on an interesting meaning when interpreted as such.
Not sure I'm with you on the ripples bit, but I think you're right about Faust.
Not sure I'm with you on the ripples bit, but I think you're right about Faust.
I like to believe your interpretation as it's so well thought out and I do love the Faustian legend (Only read Marlowe's version)
I like to believe your interpretation as it's so well thought out and I do love the Faustian legend (Only read Marlowe's version)