Remains Of The Day

The song "Remains Of The Day" from the animated film "Corpse Bride" is a lively, macabre recounting of the film's central story, told by the character Bonejangles. The lyrics weave a narrative about love, loss, and the afterlife, set against the backdrop of a whimsical, gothic world. The song serves as a narrative device to provide the audience with the backstory of the Corpse Bride herself, whose tragic tale is central to the film's plot.

The lyrics tell of a beautiful young woman who falls in love with a stranger. When her father disapproves of the match, the couple plans to elope. However, the plan goes awry, and the bride is left alone by the old oak tree, where she meets her untimely death. The song's chorus, "Die, die we all pass away, But don't wear a frown cuz it's really okay," reflects a darkly comedic acceptance of death, which is a recurring theme in the film. The Corpse Bride remains under the tree, her heart broken and her worldly possessions stolen, waiting for true love to free her.

The song's upbeat tempo and catchy refrain juxtapose the grim details of the story, creating a contrast that is both eerie and entertaining. This reflects the film's overall tone, which balances the macabre with the romantic and the humorous. "Remains Of The Day" encapsulates the film's message about the enduring power of love, even beyond death, and the idea that there is a certain beauty and continuity in the cycle of life and death.