Meaning of "Little Black Angel" by Death In June

The lyrics of "Little Black Angel" are filled with both hope and despair, reflecting the complexities of the world in which we live. The repetition of the phrase "My little black angel" emphasizes a sense of protectiveness and care towards the young girl. The song expresses a desire for her to grow up and experience the joys of life, represented by lines such as "As you grow up, I want you to drink from the plenty cup” and “I want you to fly with wings held high."

However, the song also acknowledges the harsh realities of the world, particularly the presence of hate and prejudice. The line "When out of men's hearts all hate has gone, it's better to die than forever live on" suggests that the songwriter believes that a world without hate is idealistic, almost impossible to achieve. This somber line reflects a frustration with the persistence of discrimination and prejudice that the little black angel may face as she grows older.

The contrast between the hopeful aspirations and the somber realities creates a poignant and bittersweet atmosphere throughout the song. It serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by marginalized communities and the ongoing struggle for justice and equality.