"carpe diem" and "Vanity"

"Carpe diem" is my credo. Actually I have added the rest of the line, so it reads "carpe diem quam minimum credula postero". I'm still not sure if the added part strengthens or lessons Horaz' statement. I'll leave it in - although the common "carpe diem" seems quite sufficient - since I like ambiguities. Well, not always, not everywhere, but in this case ...

As for my lyrics my maxim influences quite a few of my songs. I've written about "peaceful times" in this Blog before. It's possibly the most characteristic text I've ever written. But you'll find the credo also in "terminal diesease", which I consider one of my best songs, or in "lost in space". Or in "Vanity". I came up with the idea to "Vanity" after visiting the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna. There I discovered allegorical sculptures and pictures regarding "vanitas", a subject I couldn't get out of my mind. The "scull" I refer to in the bridge actually is derived from the allegorical paintings which inspired the song. Other than my other "carpe diem" or "seize the day" songs "Vanity" is rather pessimistic:

Vanity, you do look old
the smooth skin of your youth got definitely stained
age spots and wrinkles where once a proud beauty reigned
there's no charm and no grace
in your old worn out face
you've lost your good looks - there is no denying
the time you've wasted is why you should be crying
Vanity, it feels so cold

Vanity, no use for gold
what once seemed important is of no use today
riches and elegance won't serve you on your way
let the past be the past
gold and silver won't last
your heirs will fight over what you will have left them
where you're headed to no-one will care for your gems
Vanity, you had been told

when you look in the mirror
you'll spot a disturbing shape
like a skull grinning at you
knowing there's no escape

Vanity, you look forlorn
you've had all the chances a human life provides
never you seized them, instead you swept them aside
you can't call back your youth
you can't fight off the truth
your fight against time's been lost from the beginning
when the last bell chimes you'll know there is no winning
Vanity, why should you scorn

Vanity ...