The lyrics depict a scene where a body is being disposed of, bones are heard humming, and the body is ultimately thrown into the sea as a gruesome act of murder in Ostia.

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Meaning of "Ostia (The Death Of Pasolini)" by Coil


The lyrics of "Ostia (The Death Of Pasolini)" by Coil capture the macabre aftermath of the death of Italian filmmaker and poet Pier Paolo Pasolini. The imagery of disposing of the body, bones humming, and the act of murder in Ostia all point towards the violent and tragic nature of Pasolini's death. Pasolini was murdered in Ostia in 1975, and the song seems to reflect on the brutality of his end, with references to the white cliffs of Dover and the sea of Rome symbolizing the somber and dark aspects of his death. The repetition of "you can hear the bones humming" could represent a haunting reminder of the violence committed. The lyrics capture a sense of loss, violence, and the weight of tragedy, encapsulating the somberness and mystery surrounding Pasolini's untimely demise.