The song "Epitaph" by Hippo Campus is a poetic expression of self-reflection, vulnerability, and the search for meaning. The lyrics speak of feeling blind, torn apart, and afraid, and evoke a sense of longing for something deeper. The first verse describes a world of colors and shapes, of words left unspoken and decisions left unmade. The second verse introduces a girl who is a mystery, with splinters in her thoughts and a heart that is both kind and dark. The chorus repeats the line "Mary, dare me, scare me," suggesting a desire for challenge and adventure. The third verse takes us to a place beyond the pines, where the winter sky cries and the river and meadow become organs and churches. The singer admits to being a cryptic writer and an ignorant fool, attempting to hide behind a façade of coolness. In the final chorus, the singer acknowledges that they need nothing more than their problems, but still yearns for connection with someone who has "mirth" and "bravado." The repetition of "Mary" throughout the song adds a mystical and almost ritualistic element to the lyrics. Overall, "Epitaph" is a song that explores the human condition - the fear, the uncertainty, and the desire for something beyond ourselves. The vivid imagery and poetic language make it a powerful and haunting piece of music.
