Monday 16 January 2012

So here we sway at the edge of the world, holding hands: a farewell to Theatre of Tragedy


This is a very special version of a very special song; Forever Is the World was the title track of Theatre of Tragedy’s last album, as well as the final song of Last Curtain Call, the live dvd they made as a farewell gift to their fans, who also helped in its production. In the following extract both the band and the fans are aware that this is goodbye; understandably, there is more than tenderness in the air.

Forever Is the World is a rare song in that its sensitivity can only be matched by its enormous emotional tension; and I don’t know of anyone who is not touched by it, whether they are fans of the band or not. I suppose this is because it addresses the only issue that really matters: to hold the hand of your loved one even as the world ends, and because of this to feel as if the world is not actually ending; and maybe this is exactly the reason why it doesn’t…


Into a different kind of view
Not meant for human eyes
Everything’s dark and fades away
This moment just opened my eyes, now I say
I never knew anything felt like this
It has just begun

Please be aware of the change in your mind
Everyone’s telling lies
Somewhere between every now and then
Harmoniously facing the truth of your past
I know by now every night has its dawn
Be aware and see
I know by now every night has its dawn
Be aware and see

And as your last day draws to an end
Take my last good smile
All I can do now is watch as you fall
Bid my last goodbye

There’s an exception to every rule
Don’t trust the yellow light
Constantly searching to find your way home
The beauty’s been lying right here all along
Only man ends but forever’s the world
Just don’t fall asleep
So here we sway at the edge of the world
Holding hands
Clutching at straws, keep each other awake
World will not end on this shift
I never knew anything felt like this
It has just begun

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