The Villain Lyrics

Lyric discussion by Xyring 

Cover art for The Villain lyrics by Austra

I think that the song is being sung by the Villain himself; they reference a 'she' in the second line.

I also believe it is about a villain who is healing, and trying to make himself a better person. But since he is a villain, he still has remaining evil in his heart. It is a difficult path. The beginning states "You say I'm not afraid but I linger." Perhaps he is in a relationship with someone who is changing his life, but he's afraid to commit fully to it. He isn't sure what to do with this love.

"The pleasure's still the same, she gets sicker." He loves her, and enjoys her, because he's still a bit evil, but without his love in return, she's weakening from lack of love.

The next two lines are obviously about their relationship. He isn't the best boyfriend or lover. He might leave, and it would hurt her terribly. He isn't safe, either. He is a villain, after all.

"It's hidden in the clouds where I can see/ how easily my mind could could just break free." He's thought about leaving her. He dreams about it, sometimes, because he doesn't want to be tied down to this girl.

"Arise sweet demon and have your say. I deserve nothing, but fortune's way. Arise sweet demon and have your say. I'll break your heart, but I can't stay." He's talking to himself. He is a demon, and he loves being a demon, a heartless jerk. Yet he knows that he only deserves what fate throws to him. He also feels conflicted; he knows he'll break his girlfriend's heart if he leaves, but he doesn't deserve her; he can't stay, either. He's confused about his relationship and is yearning for two lives at once--a life of love and one of evil.

"Tenderly my garden grows there. Carefully, I'll care and wait there. I can't be sure this round will solve it." His 'garden'; everything good he has cultivated; is slowly growing and coming to life. He doesn't want to destroy it; he wants to see what will happen first. He doesn't want to uproot this beautiful life he has created even though he longs for darkness. But yet he's still not sure that it'll work out.

Beautiful song. This is just my take on the lyrics, but I'm the first one to post, so.