Meaning of "INRIhab" by Every Time I Die

The lyrics of "INRIhab" delve into the internal struggles of the protagonist, as they grapple with their demons and the absence of the devil in their life. The opening lines, "I tied the devil to the tracks (can you hear the train coming?) / I served him papers with a seal from the governor", encapsulate the protagonist's attempts to control their own destructive impulses and confront the consequences that come with it. The devil, representing temptation and indulgence, no longer holds the same allure for the protagonist, and they express a longing for the passion and excitement it once brought.

The lyrics further explore the protagonist's conflicting emotions. On one hand, they admit that keeping "hell in our hearts" is a testament to their own unique genius, suggesting that embracing their darker desires fuels their creativity and uniqueness. However, they also question themselves, asking "What's my excuse now that hell has abandoned me?" This reflects a sense of emptiness and purposelessness that comes when their once beloved indulgences no longer provide the same satisfaction.

The song also touches upon themes of addiction, regret, and the pursuit of self-indulgence. The lines "I enticed the devil out with a bottle, but maybe it was he who lured me out instead" suggest a cycle of temptation and surrender, where the protagonist tries to escape the clutches of their destructive tendencies but finds themselves drawn back in despite their efforts. The references to sleeping in "penitent beds" and awakening in the "loving arms of attrition" highlight the self-destructive nature of their actions.

Throughout the lyrics, there is a longing for excitement and passion. The protagonist recalls the thrill of lusting after others and indulging in indulgent behavior, symbolized by humming along to electric guitars and drinking each other "under the covers". However, they also express a preference for living a life full of regret over a life devoid of experience or engagement, proclaiming, "I'd rather live my life in regret than not take part in it."

Ultimately, the protagonist grapples with a sense of loneliness and a desire for acceptance. The final lines, "I tied the devil to the tracks...And I tied the tracks in a lover's knot around the finger of a beautiful girl / I'll keep hell if hell will have me", reflect a willingness to embrace the devil and the chaos it brings if it means finding connection and meaning in life.