Meaning of "Painters of the Tempest (Part II): Triptych Lux" by Ne Obliviscaris

The lyrics of "Painters of the Tempest (Part II): Triptych Lux" delve into the power and significance of art and artists. The song describes painters as the creators of a new world, using their red hands to paint on the canvas of life. The references to Bruegel and Bosch highlight the influence of historical artists and their visions. The angels in their paintings symbolize purity and beauty, but the song also suggests that heaven is empty and all the beauty is present on earth. This notion challenges traditional religious beliefs, shifting the focus to the human realm and the potential for creating beauty ourselves.

The lyrics express a sense of destruction and chaos, with references to the weight of past actions and the sway of nine-tails. These images convey a feeling of guilt and burden carried by our ancestors, suggesting that their choices and actions have consequences that echo through time. The mention of anti-matter-martyrs further emphasizes the destructive nature of humanity's actions.

Amidst the chaos, the lyrics also focus on the purity and hope represented by children. Their eyes shine with fire, symbolizing their passion and creativity. The tears rising and oceans of flame billowing express the intensity of their emotions and the potential for change. The lyrics connect the dreams of children to the dreams of painters, suggesting that they both have the power to reshape the world.

The second movement, "Cynosure," expands on the theme of children's dreams. It describes the children breathing in their sleep and dreaming of a new day. The imagery of ebb and flow and free falling conveys a sense of freedom and calmness in their dreams. The stained glass womb represents a safe and nurturing environment where they can explore their creativity. The children in this movement are portrayed as open-minded and able to see the world beyond its surface.

The third movement, "Curator," portrays a wasteland haunted by pale faces and a city of lost children. The lyrics suggest a sense of despair and the pounding of "redrum," a reference to the word "murder" from Stephen King's novel "The Shining." The line "Curator, father... what have we become?" questions the role of authority figures in shaping the world and reflects on the current state of society.

Overall, the lyrics of "Painters of the Tempest (Part II): Triptych Lux" explore the power of art in shaping the world and the inherent creativity and potential within both children and adults to create beauty, despite the chaos and destruction present in the world.