Ashes

Ghost's song 'Ashes' is a haunting and evocative piece that draws heavily on the imagery of the traditional nursery rhyme 'Ring a Ring o' Roses.' This rhyme is often associated with the Great Plague of London, and its inclusion in the song immediately sets a somber and eerie tone. The lines 'Ring a ring of roses, A pocket full of posies, Atishoo, atishoo, We all fall down' are believed to reference the symptoms and the widespread death caused by the plague, creating a chilling backdrop for the song's themes of mortality and decay.

The repetition of the word 'ashes' in the chorus further emphasizes the theme of death and destruction. 'Ashes on the water, Ashes in the sea, Ashes on the riverside' suggests a pervasive sense of loss and the omnipresence of death. The imagery of ashes spreading across different bodies of water can be seen as a metaphor for the inescapable nature of mortality, touching every aspect of life and the environment. The counting 'One, two, three' at the end of the chorus adds a rhythmic, almost ritualistic element, reinforcing the inevitability of death.

Ghost, known for their theatrical and often macabre style, uses 'Ashes' to explore themes of death and the transient nature of life. The band's use of dark, gothic imagery and references to historical events like the plague creates a rich, layered narrative that invites listeners to reflect on the fragility of existence. The song's minimalist lyrics and haunting melody work together to create a powerful, evocative piece that lingers in the mind long after the music has stopped.