Meaning of "Red Water (Christmas Mourning)" by Type O Negative

"Red Water (Christmas Mourning)" by Type O Negative explores the conflicting emotions that can arise during the holiday season, particularly for those who have experienced loss. The song captures the melancholy and sense of longing that many individuals feel when Christmas arrives but loved ones are no longer present to join in the festivities. The opening lines, "Wake up, it's Christmas mourn / Those loved have long since gone," immediately set the somber tone, contrasting the traditional sense of celebration with the narrator's feelings of grief.

The image of the stockings hung but ignored by those who no longer exist is a powerful symbol of absence and emptiness. The traditional Christmas decoration typically represents anticipation and joy, but in this context, it becomes a painful reminder of the void left by the departed. The use of the phrase "Six feet beneath me sleep" conveys the permanent nature of the loss, emphasizing that the loved ones are gone forever and will not be part of the festivities again.

The mention of "black lights" hanging from the tree and "accents of dead holly" further contributes to the eerie atmosphere of the song. These macabre Christmas decorations create a visual representation of the narrator's emotional state, blurring the boundaries between the festive and the mournful. The contrast between the darkness and the traditional symbols of Christmas underscores the narrator's sense of isolation and abandonment.

The repeated mentions of "red water" throughout the song contribute to its overall meaning. While it could be interpreted literally as blood, it is more likely a metaphorical representation of the narrator's pain. The "red water" represents the emotional turmoil and loneliness experienced during the holiday season. The phrase "Red water chase them away" suggests that the narrator seeks solace and relief from these feelings, wanting to escape the haunting memories and find some semblance of peace.

In the verses, the lyrics also touch upon the changes in the narrator's life due to the loss of loved ones. The line "My table's been set for but seven / Just last year I dined with eleven" highlights the decreasing number of guests at the narrator's Christmas dinner, emphasizing the absence of the departed. This further emphasizes the feelings of sadness and loneliness that pervade the holiday season for those who have experienced the loss of loved ones.

Overall, "Red Water (Christmas Mourning)" is a deeply introspective and melancholic song that delves into the profound emotions experienced during the holiday season by those who are grieving. It captures the conflicting atmosphere of Christmas, juxtaposing traditional symbols of joy with the painful reality of loss.