Song meaning of Carpe Diem by The Fugs

The lyrics of "Carpe Diem" by The Fugs convey a powerful message about the inevitability of death and the need to seize the day. The repetition of the phrase "carpe diem" throughout the song emphasizes the urgency and importance of living life to the fullest. The use of different characters, such as a cuckoo, children, a young girl, a soldier, and a lover, highlights that death awaits everyone, regardless of age or social status.

The lyrics caution against trying to outsmart or avoid death, as depicted by the lines "You can't out-think the angel of death" and "You can't out-walk/talk/cry the angel of death." This serves as a reminder that death is an inevitable part of life that cannot be escaped. Instead, the song encourages embracing the present moment, expressing oneself, and showing love, as illustrated by the lines "Sing, lover, sing/ Death is a-comin' in/ You can't out-sing/out-swing the angel of death/ But sing, cuckoo, sing." 

The final lines of the song, "It's an old cliché that it's an old cliché/ But you better make your love today" suggest that even though the idea of seizing the day may be a common saying, it holds true and should be taken seriously. In essence, the song conveys a sense of urgency to appreciate each moment and make the most of life, knowing that death is inevitable.