Nymphetamine

Cradle of Filth's 'Nymphetamine' is a gothic metal ballad that delves into themes of addiction, loss, and a yearning for a past love. The song's title, a portmanteau of 'nymph' and 'amphetamine,' suggests an intoxicating and addictive love, likening the object of the narrator's affection to a drug that both elates and destroys. The lyrics paint a picture of a love that is as enchanting as it is damaging, with the narrator unable to escape the hold of this 'nymphetamine girl.'

The song's imagery is rich with gothic elements, such as black swans, a grave, and a tomb, which evoke a sense of mourning and the macabre. The narrator speaks of a love lost and the deep pain that followed, a pain so intense that it is described as a 'six feet deep' incision in the heart. The use of vampiric metaphors, such as 'vampyric addiction' and 'dark nails of faith,' further emphasizes the parasitic nature of this love, draining the narrator yet leaving him longing for more.

Musically, 'Nymphetamine' is characterized by Cradle of Filth's signature blend of extreme metal with symphonic elements, creating a haunting atmosphere that complements the song's themes. The band is known for their elaborate and poetic lyrics, and 'Nymphetamine' is no exception. It is a lamentation of a toxic relationship that the narrator cannot seem to escape, a relationship that is both a source of ecstasy and agony, much like the dual nature of the mythical creatures and drugs referenced in the song.