Shiva is a a seven-day Jewish mourning period. After someone dies, the mourner is supposed to go to the home of the deceased (in this case, a hospital) and remain low to the ground by sitting on short stools for a week. I think that's what this song is about: the patient dies and the husband mourns.
In the "Hospice" prologue (printed in the album's liner notes) and in the song "Epilogue," someone who has died comes back to haunt the mourner in dreams right before the mourner falls asleep. I think that's what the middle of the song is talking about.
The alternate title listed for this song in the liner notes is "Portacaths Switched." A portacath is a medical device for oncology patients installed subcutaneously, making both blood withdrawal and drug injection easier. Any ideas how that applies to the song?
I would say it's just because he's putting himself in her place once she's gone. I could be wrong, but that seems the most logical reason. As in, he's putting himself in her bed, giving himself the cancer (not literally), etc, so then he would (figuratively) have switchted the portacaths from her body to his.
I would say it's just because he's putting himself in her place once she's gone. I could be wrong, but that seems the most logical reason. As in, he's putting himself in her bed, giving himself the cancer (not literally), etc, so then he would (figuratively) have switchted the portacaths from her body to his.
Shiva is a a seven-day Jewish mourning period. After someone dies, the mourner is supposed to go to the home of the deceased (in this case, a hospital) and remain low to the ground by sitting on short stools for a week. I think that's what this song is about: the patient dies and the husband mourns.
In the "Hospice" prologue (printed in the album's liner notes) and in the song "Epilogue," someone who has died comes back to haunt the mourner in dreams right before the mourner falls asleep. I think that's what the middle of the song is talking about.
The alternate title listed for this song in the liner notes is "Portacaths Switched." A portacath is a medical device for oncology patients installed subcutaneously, making both blood withdrawal and drug injection easier. Any ideas how that applies to the song?
I would say it's just because he's putting himself in her place once she's gone. I could be wrong, but that seems the most logical reason. As in, he's putting himself in her bed, giving himself the cancer (not literally), etc, so then he would (figuratively) have switchted the portacaths from her body to his.
I would say it's just because he's putting himself in her place once she's gone. I could be wrong, but that seems the most logical reason. As in, he's putting himself in her bed, giving himself the cancer (not literally), etc, so then he would (figuratively) have switchted the portacaths from her body to his.
old comment, but extremely insightful and observant!
old comment, but extremely insightful and observant!
I agree with fivetrees, your analysis really puts the album in to perspective. Thank you
I agree with fivetrees, your analysis really puts the album in to perspective. Thank you