Black As The Devil Painteth

The song 'Black As The Devil Painteth' by Theatre of Tragedy delves into the depths of human despair and the struggle of an artist to capture the essence of beauty and darkness on a canvas. The lyrics are rich with metaphors and archaic language, painting a vivid picture of an artist's internal conflict. The artist questions whether their brush can truly capture the beauty of the world, such as the 'blue-huéd arch' and 'flowery meadow,' or if it is destined to reflect the darker aspects of existence.

The song juxtaposes images of natural beauty with scenes of desolation and suffering. The artist laments the inability of the canvas to project the idyllic visions of 'barebreastéd maidens' and 'distant lazy flapping of the doves,' instead revealing a world where 'the raven sky prey'd on by the snowfill'd, blustery clouds' and 'maidens chainéd and whippéd within a dreary dungeon.' This stark contrast highlights the duality of human experience, where moments of beauty are often overshadowed by pain and suffering.

The recurring line, 'The Devil is as black as he painteth,' serves as a powerful metaphor for the inherent darkness within humanity. It suggests that the evil and suffering in the world are not merely external forces but are deeply ingrained within us. The artist's struggle to reconcile these opposing forces on the canvas mirrors the broader human struggle to find meaning and beauty in a world often marred by darkness. The song ultimately reflects on the limitations of art to fully capture the complexities of the human condition, leaving the listener to ponder the true nature of good and evil.