Meaning of "Witch Image" by Ghost
The lyrics of "Witch Image" convey a sense of unease and consequences that come with the pursuit of one's desires. The repeated references to being close to where one wants to be suggest that the subject is on the verge of attaining their desires. However, there is a cost to this proximity. The narrator, representing a dark entity or force, has always been lurking in the background, closely watching the subject's every move. Their presence is symbolized by riding in the shadows behind the subject on a pale white horse, which represents both a foreboding and ethereal presence.
The lyrics suggest that the subject is not entirely comfortable with the narrator's presence. They never want the narrator to appear and wish for their current state to remain unchanged. This could be interpreted as a fear of facing the consequences of their actions or an aversion to dealing with the darker aspects of their desires.
The contrasting imagery in the lyrics adds to the unsettling atmosphere. While the subject indulges in earthly delight, the narrator highlights the suffering of someone else, whose flesh is rotting. This juxtaposition serves as a reminder that actions have consequences, and while the subject may be enjoying their current situation, someone else is paying the price. The mention of the father in hell and the idea of what has been sold cannot be unsold suggests a loss of innocence and irreversible decisions. The subject is trapped in a cycle where their choices have significant repercussions, and there is no escape.
The final lines of the lyrics bring a sense of hope or redemption. The mention of a mother saving her child from digging a grave indicates the possibility of intervention or redemption. It suggests that despite the subject's actions and the consequences they face, there is still a chance for redemption or salvation. This can be seen as a glimmer of hope within the darkness and a reminder that it's never too late to turn away from destructive paths and find redemption.
