“Spillways” by Ghost uses the metaphor of spillways on a dam to represent the release of pent-up negative emotions. The lyrics explore themes of inner darkness, the struggle to cope with these feelings, and the need to find outlets for them.
According to Tobias Forge, the song is “an elegy for the darkness that most people have inside” and how that darkness needs to find a way out.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
Table of Contents
“Spillways” Lyrics Meaning
[Verse 1]
Through benediction
You tried to rid your mind of malediction
But through all this time you try to peel it off
And it’s such a ride
Your desolation
Led you into this
vile incarnation
Of consummated bliss
I know you need it now
To make you feel alive
The opening lines describe attempts to rid oneself of negative thoughts through spiritual means (“benediction”), but these efforts prove futile. The struggle to overcome these feelings is described as “such a ride,” emphasizing its difficulty.
[Pre-Chorus] & [Chorus]
All your faith, all your rage, all your pain
It ain’t over now and I ain’t talking about forgiveness
All your faith, all your rage, all your pain
It ain’t over now
It’s the cruel beast that you feed
It’s your burning yearning need to bleed
Through the spillways
(Spillways)
These sections highlight the ongoing nature of the internal struggle. The lyrics suggest that faith, rage, and pain are not easily resolved, and forgiveness is not a simple solution. The chorus introduces the central metaphor of the “cruel beast” that needs to be fed, representing the darkness within that demands expression.
[Verse 2]
You keep a casket
Buried deep within,
you try to mask it
But fall back in sin,
you wanna shake it off
But you’re stuck inside
When stripped of rags of skin and spine
Human decay, Corpus Dei
Terminally dispelled
And it’s such a ride
This verse delves deeper into the concept of hidden darkness, comparing it to a “casket” buried within. Despite attempts to conceal or overcome it (“mask it”), one falls back into sin. The imagery becomes more intense, referring to human decay and religious symbolism (“Corpus Dei”).
Deeper Meaning Behind “Spillways”
Ghost’s “Spillways” delves into the depths of human psychology, exploring the darkness that resides within us all. The song serves as a metaphor for the internal struggle we face in managing our darker impulses and emotions.
The concept of spillways, typically used in dams to prevent overflow, is brilliantly applied to the human psyche. In this context, spillways represent the channels through which our suppressed emotions, urges, and darker aspects of our personality find release. These “spillways of the soul” allow for a controlled release of our inner turmoil, preventing a catastrophic buildup that could lead to more destructive outcomes.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of an individual grappling with their inner demons, trying desperately to rid themselves of a persistent darkness. This struggle is portrayed as a constant battle, with the person attempting to “peel off” the negativity, only to find themselves caught in a cycle of sin and redemption. The song suggests that this darkness is an integral part of human nature, one that cannot be simply wished away or ignored.
The chorus, with its repetition of “All your faith, all your rage, all your pain, it ain’t over now,” emphasizes the ongoing nature of this internal conflict. It suggests that these intense emotions and experiences are not easily resolved or forgotten, but rather continue to shape our lives and actions. The mention of a “cruel beast” that we feed through our “burning yearning need to bleed” further illustrates the complex relationship we have with our darker side.
Ultimately, “Spillways” offers a profound commentary on the human condition, acknowledging the necessity of confronting and managing our inner darkness rather than attempting to eliminate it entirely. The song encourages listeners to recognize and accept these aspects of themselves, suggesting that only through acknowledgment and controlled release can we truly maintain our psychological balance.
Jacob Carter is a lyricist. He created the lyrics writing course to teach people how to analyze and write lyrics. He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in English Literature, so he’s skilled at playing with words.
He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.