Meaning of "The House of Wolves" by Bring Me The Horizon

"The House of Wolves" is a criticism of blind faith and the hypocrisy found within religious belief. The lyrics present a skeptical perspective towards organized religion and question the genuineness of people's beliefs. The vocalist expresses his disillusionment with the idea of faith, stating that what others call faith, he sees as a sorry excuse. He suggests that those who claim to have faith are hiding the truth behind "cloak and daggers," indicating deception and manipulation. The bitterness he feels stems from the lack of alternatives to faith. He sarcastically remarks that he will bow for their King when He shows Himself, mocking the idea of blindly following a spiritual leader without evidence.

The repeated phrase "brick by brick" signifies the gradual dismantling of the falsehoods built by religious believers. It suggests that the walls they have constructed to contain their beliefs will eventually crumble and expose the flaws within. This symbolizes the vocalist's belief that these individuals are living in a house of wolves, a metaphor for hypocrisy and deceit. The "whispers in a thousand tongues" further emphasizes the idea that their beliefs are nothing but empty words and empty promises.

The chorus introduces a more personal perspective on salvation. The vocalist challenges the notion of selling one's sins to find salvation, implying that it is a futile and meaningless act. He acknowledges that he is going blind, most likely referring to his loss of faith or hope, and concludes that death is the only salvation for him. This suggests a sense of despair and the belief that true release can only be found in death.

The closing lines emphasize the insignificance of one's beliefs upon their death. The imagery of a small and confined tomb, measuring only two feet wide and six feet deep, contrasts with the grandiose claims made by religious believers. It suggests that in death, all the lofty promises and claims of salvation diminish, and one is left with nothing but the finality of their mortality.