The Inevitable Passage of Time and Mortality in '1651'

Marduk's song '1651' delves deeply into the themes of mortality and the inevitable passage of time. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the transient nature of beauty and life, using rich and evocative imagery. The 'pale death with his cold hand' is a personification of death, emphasizing its inescapable and impartial nature. The song suggests that no matter how beautiful or skilled one might be, time will eventually erode all physical attributes and talents, reducing them to 'dust' and 'nothing.'

The lyrics also highlight the futility of human efforts to preserve beauty and youth. The 'precious coral of your lips' and 'your shoulders' snow' are metaphors for the fleeting nature of physical allure, which will ultimately 'turn cold to sand.' This transformation from warmth and life to coldness and decay underscores the relentless march of time. The 'sunset lightning' of the eyes and the 'skills of your hand' are also subject to this inevitable decline, falling 'to him before whom all things fail.'

Marduk's choice of words like 'bleam' and 'pall' further accentuates the sense of fading and loss. The song concludes with a stark reminder that not even bones will withstand the test of time, as 'time chose of nothing it to make.' This finality serves as a poignant reflection on the ephemeral nature of existence, urging listeners to confront the reality of their mortality. The song's somber tone and profound message resonate deeply, making it a powerful meditation on the human condition.

Share on social media Share as link
  1. Departure From The Mortals
  2. Baptism By Fire
  3. Funeral Bitch
  4. Jesus Christ Sodomized
  5. With Satan And Victorious Weapons
  6. 1651
  7. Accuser / Opposer
  8. Between The Wolf-packs
  9. The Blond Beast
  10. La Grande Danse Macabre
View all Marduk songs

Most popular topics in Marduk songs

Related artists

  1. Mayhem
    Mayhem
  2. Behemoth
    Behemoth
  3. Bathory
    Bathory
  4. Dimmu Borgir
    Dimmu Borgir
  5. Gorgoroth
    Gorgoroth
  6. Belphegor
    Belphegor
  7. Deicide
    Deicide
  8. Lifelover
    Lifelover