One Last Dance by Ulver is a song that touches upon various themes, including the burden of life, the struggles faced by humanity, and the duality of love and hate. The lyrics suggest that God tests and challenges humans. It emphasizes the similarities between humans and animals, as all living beings eventually return to dust. The song ponders the limited options humans have in life, which include work and doing their best. The song also highlights the presence of evil in people's hearts, stating that no one knows what awaits them: love or hate. The lyrics then shift to a different theme, depicting a sense of unity and warmth found in human connection. It reflects the idea that when two people come together, they can find comfort and warmth, emphasizing the importance of companionship. However, the song cautions that while humans are on Earth, God resides in heaven, implying the limitation of human understanding and the need for humility in their words. The phrase "We are wolves" signifies a symbolic representation of strength, resilience, and the pack mentality of facing challenges together. The moon, the burning church, and the ruins evoke images of destruction and chaos, which may hint at the struggles and hardships the band or humanity as a whole has faced. The lyrics convey a feeling of readiness or acceptance of the inevitable, conveying a willingness to face their destiny, expressed as one last dance. It can be interpreted as a final act or an acceptance of the challenges, struggles, and even the end of life itself. Overall, the song appears to explore life's burdens, the dichotomy of human existence, the search for meaning, and the desire for connection and understanding. However, Ulver's lyrics often leave room for personal interpretation, allowing listeners to find their own understanding and meaning within the song.
