Witch Image

The song 'Witch Image' by the Swedish rock band Ghost weaves a narrative that is both haunting and metaphorical. Ghost is known for their theatrical stage presence and their blending of heavy metal with melodic rock, often touching on themes of the occult and the supernatural. The lyrics of 'Witch Image' seem to explore the concept of actions and consequences, particularly those that are irreversible and haunt an individual.

The opening lines suggest a person who has never fully embraced their desires or potential, staying in 'the shallows' rather than venturing into the 'deep blue sea' of possibilities. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for living a life of safety and mediocrity, avoiding the risks that come with pursuing one's true ambitions. The repeated lines 'You'd never want me to appear' and 'You never want it to be over' might imply a fear of confronting something, possibly the darker aspects of oneself or the consequences of one's actions.

The chorus, with its vivid imagery of rotting flesh and earthly delights, contrasts the physical decay with the spiritual or moral decay of the individual. The song suggests that while one may find temporary pleasure or comfort ('earthly delight'), there is an underlying rot – a bad deed or a guilty conscience – that cannot be undone ('What you've done you cannot undo'). The references to a 'father in hell' and a 'mother would save' evoke familial ties and the idea of redemption or protection, hinting at a deeper story of legacy and salvation. Overall, 'Witch Image' paints a picture of the eternal struggle between light and darkness within the human soul.