Meaning of "Epitaph" by Necrophagist

The lyrics of "Epitaph" by Necrophagist delve into the existential aspects of human life and its perceived value. The song begins with the image of falling leaves in autumn, symbolizing the transience and fragility of life. The lives being referred to are described as appearing worthless to some individuals who hold ignorant expectations. This suggests that society often places arbitrary value on individuals and judges their worth based on superficial or narrow-minded criteria.

The lyrics then shift to explore the role of jealousy, which is portrayed as a force that distorts the mind and leaves lives "paled." Jealousy is a powerful emotion that can consume individuals and cloud their judgment. By juxtaposing this with the notion of ignorance, the song suggests that ignorant expectations and jealousy are intertwined as destructive forces that devalue human life.

The chorus of the song repeats the line "Expectations shift in the eye of the beholder... behold." This can be interpreted as a reminder that perceptions and judgments of worth are subjective and vary from person to person. The song highlights the fallibility of judgments based on appearances and reminds listeners to be cautious in forming opinions about others.

The lyrics further explore the theme of mortality, stating, "One wishes existence to be of fulfillment, but leaves bend to the will of winds blowing." This line suggests that individuals desire a purposeful and fulfilling existence, but ultimately they are at the mercy of external forces that shape their lives. It highlights the inherent vulnerability and lack of control that humans have over their destiny.

The song's title, "Epitaph," carries significant meaning. An epitaph is an inscription on a tombstone that summarizes a person's life or provides a final thought about them. By mentioning the idea of an epitaph, the song reflects on the inevitability of death and the futility of prematurely predicting the end of a person's soul. It serves as a reminder that life is fleeting and should be cherished and valued, regardless of others' judgments.