Released: 2020
“Ceremony” by Deftones is a rich tapestry of emotional departure and the realization of illusion within a failing relationship. The song delves into the moments of acceptance that the end has arrived, peeling back the layers of facade to reveal the stark reality beneath. With its haunting melody and poignant lyrics, the song captures the essence of letting go and moving forward, leaving behind what once was for the ghosts of the past.
The opening lines, “How can’t you see / This is the end?” set a somber tone, confronting the inevitable conclusion that both parties in the relationship have been avoiding. The phrase “It’s obvious” underscores the clarity with which the singer views the situation, contrasting with the denial or avoidance that has characterized their partner’s stance. The cycle of repetitiveness and facade in their interactions is captured in “A different morning / The same charade,” highlighting how the relationship has become a hollow ritual, devoid of genuine connection or purpose.
In the lyrics “Prep the surface / Bound my limbs / Place a chair beneath the rail / On the outside, just skin and bones,” there’s a metaphorical depiction of entrapment and superficiality. This imagery suggests a preparation for an end – not just of the relationship but of the persona and bonds that hold one in place. The reference to being “just skin and bones” points towards the emptiness and fragility of what’s left, stripped of any illusions.
The chorus, “So I’m leaving you tonight / It’s not fun here anymore,” signals a decisive break from the past. The term “joining the parade / Of the ghosts who came before” evokes a vivid image of moving on, even if it means becoming another memory, another echo of what was. This is a powerful acknowledgment of ending and leaving behind a certain completeness with “With one kiss, one caress,” signifying the final act of farewell, imbued with the intimacy and sorrow of parting.
The outro’s repetition of “Ooh, the world we shared / Ooh, it was never there,” serves as a haunting conclusion, emphasizing the realization that the shared experiences and world that seemed so real were, in fact, illusory. This acknowledgment deepens the theme of disillusionment and the pain of recognizing that what was once believed to be substantial and true was anything but. The final declaration, “Leaving you complete for all time / With one kiss, one caress,” reiterates the permanence of the departure and the poignant intimacy of that last connection.
Through “Ceremony,” Deftones explore the complex interplay of illusion, realization, and the bittersweet act of leaving. The song masterfully captures the emotional landscape of a relationship’s end, where the acknowledgment of its illusory nature paves the way for a final, melancholic farewell. With its evocative lyrics and haunting melodies, “Ceremony” stands as a compelling narrative of closure and the courage to move beyond the ghosts of the past.
