“The Lotus” builds upon concepts explored in the track “Lotus Eater” on the band’s 2016 album Opera Oblivia, and includes direct lyrical references to its antecedent.
Guitarist Matt Gravolin told Pile Rats that the song:
… [elaborates] on the dangers of choosing not to deal with practical concerns...
[Verse 1]
You contaminate my blood
Now I’m not half the man I was
Not beast, nor fiend have you made me simply a malady, an odious reek
I’ve grown accustomed to the low-hanging fruit and the delight of my descent
If there’s nothing left but this creeping death then, old friend, extend your hand
[Chorus]
Come, one and all and behold
This aberration we hold
Can you hear me?
Can you feel it?
Right here, watch the Lotus Eater
Come, one and all and behold
This aberration we hold
You’ll never be, never be found
[Verse 2]
Ain’t no destiny
Nothing left for me ‘cause the self is a cell, consciousness is a penalty
Look at me
Fleeting by small degrees martyr and masochist rage in me
She’s still here
Louder with passing years, stronger than ever here
So just gimme just a little death (just a little)
Tell me that I'm different
Don’t I deserve to begin again?
[Chorus]
Come, one and all and behold
This aberration we hold
Can you hear me?
Can you feel it?
Right here, watch the Lotus Eater
Come, one and all and behold!
This aberration we hold
You’ll never be, never be found
[Break]
Raise your glass to the Lotus Eater as he drifts into the ether
[Bridge]
Flora, fauna born are devoid of the thorns
We’ve shorn here
I cannot close my eyes, can’t sleep at night
I’m yearning
And we will wax and wane
We all wilt the same in this bell jar we’ve made
But it’s the destiny, of glass to break
Be not so long to speak for I long to die
This anaesthetic is contriving a poltergeist
Out of me
I know I’ll never be rid of the agony I’ve survived
Day in, day out
The lotus in my mouth has been
Dictating every move I make
Just human, I’m afraid
[Chorus]
Come, one and all and behold
This aberration we hold
Can you hear me?
Can you feel it?
Right here, watch the Lotus Eater
Come, one and all and behold
This aberration we hold
You’ll never be, never be found
Flora, fauna born are devoid of the thorns
We’ve shorn here
I cannot close my eyes, can’t sleep at night
I’m yearning
We will wax and wane
We all wilt the same in this bell jar we’ve made
But it’s the destiny, of glass to break
[Interlude]
[Chorus]
Flora, fauna born are devoid of the thorns
We’ve shorn here
I cannot close my eyes, can’t sleep at night
I’m yearning
We will wax and wane
We all wilt the same in this bell jar we’ve made
But it’s the destiny, of glass to break
The Lotus was written by Joshua Campiao & Matthew Gravolin & Dre Faivre & Shane Edwards & Anthony Caruso (AUS).
The Lotus was produced by Shane Edwards.