Meaning of "Lapse" by Haken

The lyrics of "Lapse" explore themes of time, loss, and the ephemeral nature of relationships or goals. The opening line, "Dying of the Light," suggests that something vibrant and promising is slowly fading away. The million faces searching the sky imply a collective yearning or desire for something greater than the current state. The line "The universe was huge enough for us to hide" mentions the vastness of the universe and the potential for escape or sanctuary, but ultimately, it is not enough.

The speaker reflects on the passage of time and the inevitable decline: "I always knew the days were through for us to shine." This could be interpreted as the realization that their relationship or goal has reached its peak and is now on a downward trajectory. The repeated phrase "Live, love, fade out" further emphasizes the transient nature of what they once had.

The lyrics also touch upon the interconnectedness of space and time, illustrating how days and nights seem never-ending, and space and time bleed into one. This could suggest a sense of disorientation or the feeling of being stuck in a constant loop. The dreams of the two worlds connecting and then fading soon after symbolize dashed hopes and unrealized potential.

The chorus, "Hold on to the light, to stay awake, to live and learn, to keep your sanity," highlights the importance of perseverance and learning from experiences. Despite the pain and disappointment, the speaker encourages holding onto the light, which could represent hope or a sense of purpose.

The lines "Trace forgotten smiles, to feel the rage and hear the tale, of how the mission fell apart" convey a longing to reconnect with happier times and to understand the reasons behind the failure or unraveling of their endeavor. The use of words like "rage" and "fell apart" suggest the intensity of the emotions involved and the impact of the loss.

The final stanza emphasizes the contrast between the desire to stay in the light and the fear of living in vain. It presents a choice to either continue to be afraid and remain stagnant or to let go and allow others to thrive. This decision highlights the struggle between self-preservation and the desire for growth and connection.

Overall, the lyrics of "Lapse" evoke a sense of longing, the acceptance of fading dreams, and the search for meaning and connection in the face of loss. It explores the universal themes of time's passage, the inevitability of change, and the fragility of relationships or ambitious endeavors.