Rats

The song 'Rats' by the Swedish rock band Ghost is a theatrical and metaphorical exploration of the spread of corruption and the consequences of letting malevolent forces into one's life. The lyrics draw a parallel between the spread of disease and the proliferation of harmful beliefs, suggesting that once these negative influences take root, they are difficult to eradicate. The repeated exclamation 'Them rats!' emphasizes the invasive and unwelcome nature of these forces, likening them to a swarm of rats that infiltrate and destroy.

Ghost is known for their elaborate stage presence and dark, often satirical lyrical content, which frequently addresses themes of the occult, religion, and humanity's darker nature. In 'Rats,' the band uses the imagery of rats as a symbol for destructive beliefs and behaviors that spread like a plague. The mention of 'punishments beneath the wrath of God' and the cities left to burn could be interpreted as the dire consequences of moral decay within society or an individual's soul. The song's chorus, with its relentless repetition of 'Rats!' serves to drive home the persistence and inescapability of these negative influences.

The song's bridge, 'They're still coming after you,' reinforces the idea that once these harmful elements have been allowed entry, they are relentless in their pursuit. This could be seen as a commentary on the human condition, where individuals and societies are perpetually vulnerable to corruption and must remain vigilant against it. The haunting and inevitable nature of the song's message is encapsulated in the line 'And there's nothing you can do,' suggesting a sense of helplessness in the face of such pervasive evil.