The Riddle

Gigi D'Agostino's 'The Riddle' presents a lyrical puzzle wrapped in a catchy electronic beat. The song's repetitive and cryptic lyrics suggest a deeper meaning beneath its danceable surface. The opening lines, 'I got two strong arms / Blessings of Babylon time / To carry on and try / For sins and false alarms,' set a tone of resilience and determination, possibly hinting at the human condition of grappling with life's challenges and moral complexities.

The chorus, which speaks of an 'old man of Aran' going 'around and around' near a tree by a river, evokes a sense of eternal searching or a Sisyphean struggle. The 'hole in the ground' could symbolize the void of existential questions that humans have pondered throughout history. The 'mind is a beacon in the veil of the night' suggests that even in darkness or confusion, human thought and reason can provide guidance. The refrain 'But he'll never, never fight over you' might imply a philosophical stance of non-attachment or the futility of conflict over transient things.

The song also touches on themes of love and the passage of time, as seen in lines like 'I got plans for us / Nights in the scullery / And days instead of me.' These lyrics could reflect the sacrifices and compromises made in relationships. The mention of 'wise men' throughout the song could be a reference to those who seek knowledge and truth, perhaps advising against the folly of fighting over material or ephemeral matters. Overall, 'The Riddle' can be interpreted as a metaphorical exploration of life's mysteries, the pursuit of wisdom, and the human experience of love and existence.