Meaning of "The Magdalene" by Foxing

"The Magdalene" delves into themes of guilt, religion, and introspection. The opening lines, "I'm going down with the rosary, Tongue pressed on guilt from a dove in my teeth," suggest a religious context. The rosary is a symbol of prayer and devotion in Catholicism, while the "dove in my teeth" evokes imagery of the Holy Spirit or a spiritual burden. The narrator feels the weight of guilt and contemplates its consequences.

The following lines, "I could watch it drip down and cover my skin, The taste of Christ sits still while I swallow your insides," convey a sense of self-punishment and imagery of blood/communion. The narrator seems willing to absorb the guilt and sins of others, believing that by doing so, they can save themselves. It suggests a desire to cleanse oneself from their perceived wrongdoings by taking on the sins of another, perhaps an act of sacrifice.

The repetition of the line, "When they unravel the webs that I've spun, What shall be undone?" indicates a fear of being exposed or having their secrets revealed. The "webs" symbolize the lies and intricacies of their actions or thoughts. They question what will happen when their deceptions are laid bare, hinting at potential consequences and the vulnerability that comes with being fully seen and understood.

The mention of the Mother of God and the question, "So is she here with us? Does she want what she sees?" adds a layer of religious contemplation. The narrator wonders if the divine presence is witnessing their actions, and if so, what judgment or understanding may follow.

The repeated line, "Watch me come undone," expresses a desire for their true self to be revealed or acknowledged. It suggests a longing for authenticity and vulnerability, where they can no longer hide behind the webs they have woven.

Overall, "The Magdalene" captures the internal struggle of the narrator as they grapple with guilt, religion, and the fear of being exposed. It explores themes of sacrifice, introspection, and the longing for understanding and acceptance.