Song meaning of Mausoleum by Rafferty

The song "Mausoleum" by Rafferty tells the story of a love that transcends time and is ultimately doomed by the passing centuries. The lyrics create a haunting and melancholic atmosphere within the setting of a mausoleum, a place associated with death and remembrance.

In the first verse, the protagonist invites the listener to enter their mausoleum, symbolizing their isolated and eternal existence. They describe a candle lit pathway leading to their casket room, evoking a sense of solemnity and darkness. The mention of a pigeon that died without its lover suggests the theme of lost love and missed connections.

In the chorus, the protagonist expresses their vulnerability and longing as they reflect on the strangeness and beauty of someone gazing upon their bones, finding a connection despite the vast gap in time. The reference to missing each other by a century emphasizes the tragic nature of their separation.

The second verse highlights the protagonist's fading existence as they describe their belongings being sent to a museum. They feel reduced to mere dust and a handlebar mustache, while their guns, horse, and swords become tokens of history. The photograph of the protagonist and their lover serves as a bittersweet reminder of their missed opportunity for love.

The bridge reveals the protagonist's desire to be reunited with their lover, holding onto the memory of their physical features and the passion they once shared. The reference to kissing the lover's lips again and touching their bony hands reinforces the theme of love persisting beyond death.

In the final chorus, the protagonist acknowledges the inevitability of their separation as the lover drifts out to sea. They acknowledge the beauty in the connection they've forged, but also the cruel reality of their timing - their love confined to their respective centuries.

Overall, "Mausoleum" captures the sorrow and longing of a love that transcends time but remains unfulfilled. It explores themes of missed connections, the passage of time, and the bittersweet nature of love that survives beyond the grave.