Meaning of "Epistle No.81" by Candlemass

The lyrics of "Epistle No.81" by Candlemass delve deep into the themes of mortality and the passage of time. The speaker paints a vivid picture of a cemetery, where shadows envelop the surroundings, and the contrast between beauty and decay is stark. The references to Charon, the ferryman of Hades, and graves being dug highlight the inevitability of death and the finality of life. The plea for help to raise a gravestone over their sister speaks to the importance of remembrance and honoring the dead. The imagery of jealousy, happiness, and enmity being subdued in the face of death underscores the universality of mortality and the equalizing power of the grave. The final scene at the templeed city of tombs, with mourners bowing deeply in tears, captures the somber yet reverent atmosphere of a burial ground. Ultimately, the lyrics urge reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the significance of paying respects to those who have passed away.