Meaning of "Duck Or Ape" by Roar

The meaning behind the lyrics of "Duck or Ape" delves into the existential questions surrounding life and death. The song portrays a bleak perspective on the human experience, highlighting the repetitive and mundane nature of existence. The line "You drag your bones across the earth, like everyone who dragged theirs first" suggests that every individual is bound to go through the same struggles and ultimately meet the same fate. It illustrates the universal nature of mortality, as if to say that death is an inescapable eventuality for all.

The mention of "a speech, a prayer, a stone to read" and "a wooden case for worms to eat" vividly paints the picture of a funeral or burial setting. These lines emphasize the transience of life, symbolized by the decay and decomposition of the physical body. The reference to "Corpses met with Hallmark afterthoughts" highlights the emptiness and insincere nature of condolences, addressing the superficiality with which society often deals with death.

The following lines shift the focus to the afterlife, suggesting that even in death, one's presence continues to linger and haunt those who have done them wrong. The idea that "20 grams of weight and the soul's escaped" implies that the soul or essence of a person exists beyond the physical body, with its weight being measured. The imagery of returning "as a duck or an ape" symbolizes the possibility of reincarnation or the idea that one's existence continues in a different form.

Overall, the lyrics of "Duck or Ape" contemplate the fleeting nature of life, the emptiness of condolences, and the ongoing presence of one's essence even after death. It encourages contemplation on mortality and the meaning of one's existence, prompting listeners to question the transient nature of their own lives.