Meaning of "From The Cradle To Enslave" by Cradle Of Filth

The lyrics in "From The Cradle To Enslave" convey a bleak and apocalyptic worldview, focusing on the themes of corruption, decay, and the impending end of the world. The opening lines suggest that mankind, with its destructive nature, has caused great harm over the course of centuries, leading to a common grave. The return of a "necrophagous Second Coming" symbolizes the dark forces that have emerged from the chaos and destruction caused by humanity's actions.

The song touches on religious themes, with references to Eden, the serpent, and prayers to a "god" who seems indifferent to human suffering. It criticizes the hypocritical nature of religion, where devils find space to defile the faith and the world rots away. The mention of "Armageddon" and "Pandaemonaeon" (which refers to the capital of Hell in John Milton's Paradise Lost) further emphasizes the religious undertones.

The lyrics also explore the loss of hope and the futility of human existence. The line "Peace, a fragile lover, left us fantasizing war" suggests that humanity's desire for conflict and destruction overshadows any pursuit of peace. The reference to Calvary, the place of Jesus Christ's crucifixion, highlights the lingering belief in salvation despite evidence to the contrary. The song ends by painting a grim picture of the world's end, where nightmares crawl and the cradle of civilization turns into a place of enslavement.

Overall, the lyrics in "From The Cradle To Enslave" depict a grim and apocalyptic vision of humanity's corrupt nature, its loss of faith, and the impending doom that awaits. It critiques religious hypocrisy and highlights the destructive tendencies of humanity, ultimately suggesting that mankind's actions will lead to its downfall.