The song is brilliantly conceptual - and I'm sure it's about the Goddess Kali - the Goddess of Death and Destruction - and the effect 'She' ( or more specifically, Seduction) can have on your Soul.
Kali is also associated with blood lust, sexuality and extreme violence. She is of the 'Gods', in her form as Durga, but transforms into Kali in a pure rage and is more horrific than any 'Demon', and has to be because she has the ultimate power to kill them all, and is the most terrible One.
But summon Her at your peril - if you are lacking in 'Godliness' yourself. She will seduce you to the 'Dark Side' if you are not pure and innocent enough.
This 'Dark Side' effect actually happened to the Thuggee Cult, who were fanatical Kali worshippers. They ended up being murderers and robbers and lived the most debauched lifestyle they could, because they experienced a 'sweetness' beyond compare with each evil act they dedicated to Kali.
To understand Kali - you must read the Devi Mahatmyam of the Markandeya Purana. It's a fascinating story.
Freddie grew up in India and would have studied the Devi Mahatmyam at school. The stories of Durga and her terrible form Kali have a profound effect on Indian culture and philosophy.
Freddie's genius in this song applies to everyone, whether you are Hindu or not, and of course Freddie's family were Parsees (Zarathustrians) not Hindu.
It is about the seduction of the Soul towards acts of evil, the 'sweetness' and rewards of evil, and how you get your jollies - and what the downside will be.
'Kali' , or worship of her, can give you anything you want - but you will pay the price.
The song is brilliantly conceptual - and I'm sure it's about the Goddess Kali - the Goddess of Death and Destruction - and the effect 'She' ( or more specifically, Seduction) can have on your Soul.
Kali is also associated with blood lust, sexuality and extreme violence. She is of the 'Gods', in her form as Durga, but transforms into Kali in a pure rage and is more horrific than any 'Demon', and has to be because she has the ultimate power to kill them all, and is the most terrible One.
But summon Her at your peril - if you are lacking in 'Godliness' yourself. She will seduce you to the 'Dark Side' if you are not pure and innocent enough.
This 'Dark Side' effect actually happened to the Thuggee Cult, who were fanatical Kali worshippers. They ended up being murderers and robbers and lived the most debauched lifestyle they could, because they experienced a 'sweetness' beyond compare with each evil act they dedicated to Kali.
To understand Kali - you must read the Devi Mahatmyam of the Markandeya Purana. It's a fascinating story.
Freddie grew up in India and would have studied the Devi Mahatmyam at school. The stories of Durga and her terrible form Kali have a profound effect on Indian culture and philosophy.
Freddie's genius in this song applies to everyone, whether you are Hindu or not, and of course Freddie's family were Parsees (Zarathustrians) not Hindu.
It is about the seduction of the Soul towards acts of evil, the 'sweetness' and rewards of evil, and how you get your jollies - and what the downside will be.
'Kali' , or worship of her, can give you anything you want - but you will pay the price.