| Ghost – Witch Image Lyrics | 2 years ago |
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The narrator in the song seems to be the first horseman of the apocalypse: "I am riding in the shadows behind you on a pale white horse", "You'd never want me to appear" etc. (The fourth horseman, Death, rides on a green horse). Typically the first horseman of the apocalypse is thought to appear to spark the beginning of armageddon (the end-times). There are different theories about the symbolism of the first horseman, he has been interpreted as conquest, pestilence, christ or anti-christ. In the context of the song and the band, I think it's reasonable to interpret the narrator as the anti-christ here. (It makes sense with Death being the narrator too, but that would be inaccurate - white/green horse). The narrator keeps warning the listener that what he's done can not be undone etc., while painting a picture of rotting flesh etc. On a general level the song explores the idea of the consequences of one's actions, and that one must accept their fate. However, considering the song's title "Witch Image", my thoughts go towards the witch-hunts (1450-1750). My interpretation is that the song is a condemnation of everyone involved in the burning and killing of (so-called) witches. Believe it or not, but children are actually being accused of witchcraft in Africa (e.g. in Nigeria) even today. Maybe the song is first and foremost a condemnation of the priests and the parents of these children being abused and outcast from society for witchcraft in Africa today. |
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