Born In A Burial Gown

Cradle of Filth's 'Born In A Burial Gown' is a hauntingly poetic exploration of themes such as death, rebirth, and the macabre. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of a character who is both ethereal and tragic, embodying a blend of innocence and corruption. The imagery of 'Walpurgis sauntered in' and 'Skies litten with five-pointed stars' sets a mystical and eerie tone, suggesting a world where the supernatural and the earthly collide. The protagonist, described as an 'orphaned gypsy nymph,' seems to be a figure caught between worlds, her existence marked by both beauty and sorrow.

The recurring motif of the circus adds a layer of surrealism to the narrative. The circus, often a symbol of chaos and wonder, here becomes a 'ring of promised delight' that ultimately reveals 'wicked wonders.' This duality reflects the protagonist's own nature—she is both a 'light of the world going down' and a figure 'born in a burial gown.' The lyrics suggest that she is a product of her environment, 'spawned scorned, abhorred by the aerial,' yet she possesses a haunting allure that captivates and terrifies those around her.

The song also delves into themes of transformation and liberation. The protagonist 'unloosed the chain of her God-given cross,' embracing a pagan identity and finding solace in a 'carnival of souls.' This act of defiance and self-discovery is both empowering and tragic, as it leads her to a state of 'war-torn, forlorn and malarial.' The final verses, where she 'moves with a predator's guile' and 'soothes your cold heart for a while,' suggest a character who has fully embraced her dark nature, finding strength in her vulnerability. The song concludes with a chilling image of the circus 'dancing on Her grave,' a final testament to the protagonist's complex and haunting existence.