A Perfect Circle - Orestes (AI Cover)

#aperfectcircle #orestes
The meaning of A Perfect Circle's song "Orestes" is based on the Greek myth of Orestes, who was tasked with killing his mother, Clytemnestra, in revenge for her murder of his father, Agamemnon. The song uses this story to explore themes of having to sever a profound, almost "umbilical," connection to end a loved one's life, particularly when facing difficult circumstances like end-of-life care. The "perfect circle" represents the unbreakable bond between a mother and child, which the narrator must painfully break.
Greek Myth: The song is a direct reference to the Greek myth of Orestes, who avenges his father Agamemnon by killing his mother Clytemnestra. This act leads to him being pursued by the Furies (Erinyes) for breaking family ties.
Personal Struggle: The lyrics transform the myth into a modern-day struggle, exploring a person's internal conflict over having to "pull the plug" on a terminally ill mother.
"Perfect Circle": The "perfect circle" refers to the womb and the fundamental, unbreakable connection between a mother and child.
"Umbilical Residue": This phrase represents the lingering bond and guilt that prevents the narrator from taking the final, necessary action of letting their mother go.