I think the lyrics suggest the journey of love between two people (boat reference) I think that the man had previously been unfaithful, and had lost his previous love through his errors in life. This lost love is represented throughout the song as a 'dried fig' of a heart. Both for him at the start, and her at the end. I also think the Egyptian aspect is significant. The process of mummification ends with the 'weighing of the heart' where the heart is weighed against the feather of truth. I.e if you've been truthful and good, then you'll make it to the afterlife (or in this case true love and happiness). The fact that this person gets 're-animated' suggests that they had failed at this and are having another shot at life. The reference to the scarab beetle also relates to this process.
Scarab amulets were often placed over the heart of the mummified deceased. These "heart scarabs" were meant to be weighed against the feather of truth during the final judgement. The amulets were often inscribed with a spell from the Book of the Dead which entreated the heart to, "do not stand as a witness against me."
The heart obviously betrays the person in the song. I think that he fell in love with someone her knew, perhaps a friend, and his love for her grew until he finally revealed it to her. The reference to being cursed could be showing her understanding of his past unfaithfulness, hence her reluctance, requiring his assurances ' as they left he supported her'
Despite these adversities, their love grew and both approached true happiness.. until his heart betrayed him again and he started to seek attention from elsewhere (affairs) This would fit nicely with the 'rag behind her' line, and the fact that she lay thinking about what he was doing, to the point it killed the love within her.(dried fig heart)
The fact that he wishes she hadn't mentioned the curse suggests he wishes she didn't know about his past, and therefore be as suspicious of his behaviour (leopards changing their spots etc..)
The pyramids are described as an invitation, an unknown adventure. Perhaps relates to the lure of other women outside of the relationship.
I like that view of the song. I have been so wrapped up in the literal storytelling of it, that I miss some of the subtler metaphor. For instance, I'm still convinced this is about a Mummy who falls in love with a beautiful Paleontologist, and that the mummy turns out to be Moses.
I like that view of the song. I have been so wrapped up in the literal storytelling of it, that I miss some of the subtler metaphor. For instance, I'm still convinced this is about a Mummy who falls in love with a beautiful Paleontologist, and that the mummy turns out to be Moses.
Consider: "Then he talks of the Nile and the girls in bulrushes."
Consider: "Then he talks of the Nile and the girls in bulrushes."
Plus Ritter has been quoted in an interview as wanting to write a love story about a mummy, and that he researched as much stuff about mummies he could get his hands on.
Another though, in my opinion...
I think the lyrics suggest the journey of love between two people (boat reference) I think that the man had previously been unfaithful, and had lost his previous love through his errors in life. This lost love is represented throughout the song as a 'dried fig' of a heart. Both for him at the start, and her at the end. I also think the Egyptian aspect is significant. The process of mummification ends with the 'weighing of the heart' where the heart is weighed against the feather of truth. I.e if you've been truthful and good, then you'll make it to the afterlife (or in this case true love and happiness). The fact that this person gets 're-animated' suggests that they had failed at this and are having another shot at life. The reference to the scarab beetle also relates to this process.
Scarab amulets were often placed over the heart of the mummified deceased. These "heart scarabs" were meant to be weighed against the feather of truth during the final judgement. The amulets were often inscribed with a spell from the Book of the Dead which entreated the heart to, "do not stand as a witness against me."
The heart obviously betrays the person in the song. I think that he fell in love with someone her knew, perhaps a friend, and his love for her grew until he finally revealed it to her. The reference to being cursed could be showing her understanding of his past unfaithfulness, hence her reluctance, requiring his assurances ' as they left he supported her'
Despite these adversities, their love grew and both approached true happiness.. until his heart betrayed him again and he started to seek attention from elsewhere (affairs) This would fit nicely with the 'rag behind her' line, and the fact that she lay thinking about what he was doing, to the point it killed the love within her.(dried fig heart)
The fact that he wishes she hadn't mentioned the curse suggests he wishes she didn't know about his past, and therefore be as suspicious of his behaviour (leopards changing their spots etc..)
The pyramids are described as an invitation, an unknown adventure. Perhaps relates to the lure of other women outside of the relationship.
Only some thoughts!!!
Rob
As their love grew towards true happiness
@robandrew
@robandrew
I like that view of the song. I have been so wrapped up in the literal storytelling of it, that I miss some of the subtler metaphor. For instance, I'm still convinced this is about a Mummy who falls in love with a beautiful Paleontologist, and that the mummy turns out to be Moses.
I like that view of the song. I have been so wrapped up in the literal storytelling of it, that I miss some of the subtler metaphor. For instance, I'm still convinced this is about a Mummy who falls in love with a beautiful Paleontologist, and that the mummy turns out to be Moses.
Consider: "Then he talks of the Nile and the girls in bulrushes."
Consider: "Then he talks of the Nile and the girls in bulrushes."
Now consider: kids.christiansunite.com/Bible_Stories/Bible_Story_022.shtml
Now consider: kids.christiansunite.com/Bible_Stories/Bible_Story_022.shtml
Plus Ritter has been quoted in an interview as wanting to write a love story about a mummy, and that he researched as much stuff about mummies he could get his hands on.
...ryan
@robandrew rob, your interpretation of the song really hit me. for whatever this song has to say, your interpretation sounds true for me.
@robandrew rob, your interpretation of the song really hit me. for whatever this song has to say, your interpretation sounds true for me.