Meaning of "Black Magic" by Ruston Kelly

The lyrics of "Black Magic" delve into the destructive and sinister aspects of love. The song portrays love as a force that has the power to inflict pain and suffering. It opens with references to Halloween, creating a spooky and ominous atmosphere that sets the tone for the rest of the song. The imagery of stitches, closets full of bones, and blood that won't stop running conveys a sense of violence and trauma. The narrator describes feeling trapped in a home, haunted by memories of a lost love. The recurring motif of black magic suggests that love is an enchantment that can bring about both desire and destruction. It implies that love can be manipulative and deceptive, like a spell that leaves the victim spellbound and under its control. The lyrics also emphasize the idea of sacrifice, as the narrator sold their "hallelujah" and laid their soul in the object of their affection. This implies that the narrator gave up a part of themselves to be consumed by love, further strengthening the comparison to black magic. The song suggests that love is not always a positive or uplifting force, but rather a dangerous and unpredictable one. The phrase "Love is hell" encapsulates the overall sentiment of the lyrics - that love can bring pain, confusion, and ultimately a sense of despair. Through its haunting imagery and dark narrative, "Black Magic" serves as a cautionary tale about the treacherous nature of love.