Evil

It took me a while to figure this song out - extremely hard to piece together, but after reading the interpretations on the web, and reading more about Paul Banks, I think I got it. Paul Banks was fascinated with serial killers, and as a literally major in college, probably with a lot of ideas around the inner workings of people.

The references to the Rosemary West killings are pretty clear (not just her name, but the "trial", "cellmate" and "shards under the belly".

Still, it doesn't make sense that this is from Fred West until the final year of his life are looked at. He confessed to the killing pretty quickly - suggesting remorse. And he attempted to make some kind of emotional contact with Rosemary...he tried twice and failed. And a few weeks later, committed suicide.

I think this song is the story of Fred West dealing with the evil he had done, and trying to reach Rosemary...the Biblical references are pretty clear. So this is his story after he committed suicide and what he'd say to her.

The first verse of the song is about embracing Heaven and god. "Heaven restores you in life" - this is a clear reference to being alive and that there is a means to salvation in life. The rest of the verse is about what that is and if she comes with him what she gets - it's the smile on the package, the faces in the sand, the thought that holds you up, their embraces - all the good things in life...the "slow-release" (inner peace) as opposed to the instant and twisted gratification of torturing their victims.

The next verse is his message to her: Hey wait, great smile (his nickname for her?) - have faith and don't deny (Just confess and faith - don't play the victim card)...then again, "but hey who's on trial" An admission he coped out by committing suicide - so he can sympathize with her decision.

Then he confesses to her what his life was about. Being completely alone (a lifespan without a cellmate) searching for a way out...from the trap of just looking the other way to everything he did - all the suffering he caused. That's the root of his "evil". Just look the other way. What was wrong with that?

The next verse describes that world of what could be or could have been - perhaps the afterlife or fantasy existence. "I could take you places....Make a revision to a dream...."

Later on, the line, "You need something to which to care" - I think a reference to how serial killers are considered uncaring.

The next verse talks about their crimes, how they hoped to presume innocence and hope for a sympathetic jury....and whether or not they really loved each other and if that was over - "Is this motion everlasting or do shutters pass in the night"

The final verse mentions that she needs someone to take her there - perhaps him or someone else (earlier - "do you need another man"). and changes the chorus - "...play the other game" a reference to their interaction not involving the girls they tortured and murdered. Suggesting once again, his remorse.