The Double Life
The Hidden Duality: Forbidden Chambers and Unaccountable Selves
Lyrics
At the top of the stairs is a locked room
Refers to a locked room at the top of the stairs.
My secret chamber that no outsider views
Describes the room as a secret chamber hidden from outsiders.
For entry is forbidden
Highlights that entry into the room is forbidden.
Prohibited
Reiterates the prohibition of entering the locked room.
Behind this door is my other self
Indicates that behind the locked door exists the narrator's 'other self.'
Not a picture in a frame nor a fresh disguise
Clarifies that the other self is not a mere image or disguise.
But my other self
Emphasizes the existence of the narrator's immobile, inert, and sanguine other self.
Immobile, inert and sanguine
Further describes the other self, mentioning narcissus kisses and crimson breath.
My narcissus kisses exhale crimson breath
Suggests a vivid imagery of the other self with references to narcissus kisses and crimson breath.
And pump ruby to the lip
Continues the vivid description, mentioning pumping ruby to the lip.
I stand before myself not Jekyll nor Hyde
States that the narrator stands before themselves, not as Jekyll nor Hyde, emphasizing a dual nature.
Not sibling nor twin separated at birth
Rejects the idea of being a separated sibling or twin, reinforcing the uniqueness of the narrator's identity.
I stand before myself
Reiterates the narrator standing before themselves, highlighting an unaccountable aspect.
Unaccountable
Emphasizes the unaccountable nature of the narrator's identity.
I dreamt that I had feet of clay
Describes a dream where the narrator had feet of clay, suggesting vulnerability.
I dreamt I crossed the seven seas
Continues the dream narrative, mentioning crossing the seven seas.
And when I woke not knowing
Reflects on waking up without knowing, implying a lack of self-awareness.
I knew I led the double life
Realization that the narrator leads a double life.
All I ever needed is twice removed
Expresses that all the narrator ever needed is twice removed, suggesting a dual nature in desires or needs.
I spit my bile in an airless temper
Describes spitting bile in an airless temper, possibly reflecting inner turmoil.
In this vacuum - a vampire reversed
Introduces the concept of a reversed vampire in a vacuum, adding to the complexity of the narrator's identity.
This one who breathes life into me
Describes the reversed vampire as one who breathes life into the narrator.
And even dull mirrors reflect the tarnished twosome
Highlights that even dull mirrors reflect the tarnished twosome, suggesting the visibility of the dual nature.
I stand before myself not another me
Reiterates standing before oneself, rejecting the idea of being another version.
Not Döppleganger nor witless clone
Rejects the concept of being a Döppleganger or witless clone, emphasizing individuality.
I stand before myself unrepentant
Stands before oneself unrepentant, indicating a lack of remorse for the double life.
I dreamt of sin and aftermath
Describes dreaming of sin and aftermath, suggesting inner conflicts and consequences.
I dreamt of centuries laid bare
Continues the dream narrative, mentioning dreaming of centuries laid bare.
And when I woke not knowing
Reflects on waking up without knowing, reiterating the realization of leading a double life.
I knew I led the double life
Reiterates the awareness of leading a double life, concluding the lyrical narrative.
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