Kafka Blue Meanderings – Lyrics from Outcasts, Rebels, Hobos and Bards

Inspired by Franz Kafka’s Metamorphosis. Re-imagined in what I think it might sound like as a Texas Blues song.

(Verse 1)

Woke up this morning, feeling strange and bizarre,

Like Kafka’s Metamorphosis, I turned into something bizarre.

A cockroach in my own skin, can’t escape this twisted jar,

In this existential blues, I’m trapped behind a scar.

(Chorus)

Metamorphosis blues, crawling through the night,

Insectile rhythm, under a moon so bright.

I’m a bug in this world, a surreal sight,

Metamorphosis blues, in this Kafkaesque plight.

(Verse 2)

My room transformed, like a cage of despair,

Shadows on the wall, tangled in my own hair.

Gregor Samsa, echoes in the air,

A man turned insect, a burden to bear.

(Chorus)

Metamorphosis blues, crawling through the night,

Insectile rhythm, under a moon so bright.

I’m a bug in this world, a surreal sight,

Metamorphosis blues, in this Kafkaesque plight.

(Bridge)

The weight of isolation, creeping on my back,

Feelings of estrangement, can’t escape this track.

In the darkness, my metamorphosis attack,

A bluesy transformation, there’s no turning back.

(Verse 3)

Existential crisis, in a world so absurd,

A bug in the system, my vision’s blurred.

The bluesy metamorphosis, a song unheard,

In this Kafkaesque melody, my soul is stirred.

(Chorus)

Metamorphosis blues, crawling through the night,

Insectile rhythm, under a moon so bright.

I’m a bug in this world, a surreal sight,

Metamorphosis blues, in this Kafkaesque plight.

(Outro)

As the roaches dance, in the shadows they sway,

Metamorphosis blues, till the break of day.

In the metamorphosis blues, I find my way,

Through the surreal, in the blues I stay.

Artist Statement: 

“Kafka Blue Meanderings” blends elements of Texas blues with the existential themes found in Franz Kafka’s seminal work, “Metamorphosis.” Through its lyrics and musical arrangement, the song captures the surreal and introspective essence of Kafka’s narrative while infusing it with the emotive power of the blues.

Lyricism and Theme:

The lyrics of the song delve into the psychological and existential turmoil experienced by the protagonist, who finds themselves transformed into a cockroach akin to Gregor Samsa in Kafka’s story. The opening lines immediately establish a sense of disorientation and alienation, reminiscent of the confusion felt by Samsa upon awakening to his new form. The reference to being “trapped behind a scar” evokes the psychological wounds inflicted by the transformation, highlighting themes of confinement and inner turmoil.

Throughout the song, the recurring motif of “Metamorphosis blues” serves as an expression of the protagonist’s struggle to come to terms with their altered identity. The juxtaposition of blues music with Kafkaesque themes creates a fusion of genres, emphasizing the emotional depth of the narrative. The repetition of the chorus underscores the cyclical nature of the protagonist’s plight, as they navigate their surreal existence under the “moon so bright.”

Musical Composition:

The music accompanying the lyrics reflects the brooding atmosphere of Kafka’s narrative while incorporating the characteristic rhythms and instrumentation of Texas blues. The slow, melancholic tempo and bluesy guitar riffs evoke a sense of introspection and longing, mirroring the protagonist’s internal struggle. The use of minor chords and blues scales further enhances the mood of existential despair, creating a haunting backdrop for the lyrical exploration of metamorphosis.

The bridge section introduces a shift in dynamics, building tension through the repetition of “Metamorphosis attack” and culminating in a cathartic release. This section serves as a musical reflection of the protagonist’s psychological descent into isolation and estrangement, adding depth to the song’s thematic resonance.