Amor Volat Undique

Carl Orff's 'Amor Volat Undique' delves into the complex interplay between freedom and attachment, using vivid metaphors and introspective lyrics. The song's title, which translates to 'Love Flies Everywhere,' sets the stage for a narrative that explores the tension between the desire for independence and the inevitable ties that bind us. The lyrics open with a reflection on past ambitions and the persona's imagined future, where they envisioned themselves as a 'superman,' invincible and free. However, this vision is marred by a 'blindness,' a metaphor for the unwillingness to confront certain truths or emotions left behind but still lingering in the background, subtly influencing their present self.

The recurring theme of blindness and sight is pivotal in the song. The persona grapples with the realization that their past actions and decisions continue to shape their current reality. The lines 'What am I going to say / When you come my way' and 'What am I going to do / When you come through' suggest an impending confrontation with these unresolved issues. This confrontation is not just with another person but with the self, a reckoning with the choices that have led to the present moment.

The metaphor of the 'kite' and 'birdman' further illustrates the duality of freedom and attachment. The persona likens themselves to a kite, soaring freely yet tethered to the ground by strings held by another. This imagery captures the essence of their struggle: the desire to break free and fly independently, juxtaposed with the fear of becoming 'a slave to the storm' if they sever these ties. The song concludes with a poignant question of whether they can continue 'walking without' these attachments, leaving the listener to ponder the delicate balance between autonomy and connection.