Forgiveness

The intro to this song is so hypnotic, incredible song by an incredible band

I couldn't agree more, it's so entrancing

My initial thoughts were that this is simply a song about asking for forgiveness.

However I developed a back story. I have too much time on my hands. :P

The song reminds me of a master-student relationship. The opening "Let me run" seems like someone asking for control, let me run [the ship]. An initiate is asking the High Priest/Priestess to be given a higher place in the religion/group. He'll take all the knowledge he's been given and run the group with the good reason they've taught him.

"But I read all of my speeches All of my speeches"

This is the first sign of the underlying intent. He's a liar/con-artist and has thoroughly prepared this disguise of humility.

"My workstation of the dawn Doesn't mean that much"

This line is what sparked my entire back story, and the tribal-esque drumming in the song. I was wondering what a "workstation of the dawn" could refer to. At some point my thoughts came to mythology. Throughout folklore there has been an emphasis on the changing from night to day. Cinderella is a popular modern example. Dawn is a time right before sunrise, it's bright enough to see, but still cloaked with a bit of darkness. It was often seen as the barrier between two worlds. Many religions have dawn goddesses and both Islam and several Christian liturgies require a prayer at this time.

The initiate is saying the rituals/prayers he does at this time are meaningless. He's not involved for the spiritual aspects. He only desires power/too feel superior.

"And I try to teach by my doing Your undoing But my time will be your ruin Will be your ruin"

His true intentions are shown. He's aim is destruction. He wants to bring down the church/coven/religion/group.

I never quite flushed out what he could be asking forgiveness for. It could be an antiquated concept of asking permission to speak, similar to "I beg your pardon".

In general it seems like someone asking for forgiveness but in the end is really seeking your downfall.