Music lyrics and poetry have much in common and in some cases usually overlap. Both contain figurative language, rhyme, and concrete diction, and both use other devices to help convey and reinforce their themes. One such song that carries poetic overtones is "Orestes" by the group, A Perfect Circle. The song is an ode to the pain of an ancient Greek character that was dealt an unfortunate fate by the gods. The lyrics address the turmoil felt by Orestes when he learns what he must do and describes his emotional anguish throughout the ordeal. .
In order to understand the significance of the song we must first look to the story of Orestes, which is interwoven in Ancient Greek myth and history. In order to succeed at the Battle of Troy, King Agamemnon sacrifices one of his children before the war. His is victorious however, while he was away his wife, Clytemnestra, takes a lover and plans his death upon his return home. With the help of her love, Clytemnestra kills Agamemnon and usurps the throne. Yet now fearing that Agamemnon's surviving children may become her undoing, Clytemnestra has Orestes and Elektra ordered into exile. When the god, Apollo learns of the travesty, he tells Orestes he must avenge his father's death. Thus, Orestes returns to Argos and with the help of his sister, Elektra, slays his mother and her lover. The Furies, who were the spirits of revenge and justice, began to grow angry with Orestes for his unthinkable crime and plagued him until he begged supplication from Apollo. The gentle god made Hermes take Orestes to Athena to plead for justice. She decided to make the incident into a public affair and take the chance to teach her citizens about righteousness through the introduction of Athen's first court of murders. Orestes stood trial and Apollo testified in his favor, thereby winning the case by persuading Athena (whom held the deciding vote). Orestes was released and sent back to Argos to reclaim his father's throne.
