Devil's Plaything
Beseech
The Allure and Danger of Forbidden Love in 'Devil's Plaything'
Beseech's cover of Danzig's 'Devil's Plaything' delves into the tumultuous and often perilous nature of love, likening it to a flame that can both illuminate and destroy. The song opens with the metaphor of love as a 'devil's thing,' a force that is both captivating and dangerous. This duality is emphasized through the imagery of a violent storm and a flame that can burn those who get too close. The lyrics suggest that love, while alluring, is fraught with deception and potential harm, as seen in the lines 'Just look in these eyes / See all the lies.' This sets the stage for a narrative where love is both a source of intense passion and a potential harbinger of pain.
The recurring motif of fire throughout the song serves as a powerful symbol of the intensity and danger of love. The flame in the singer's hand represents the control and power they wield over this destructive force. The lyrics 'If you're playing with fire / You're playing in Hell' underscore the peril of engaging with such a potent emotion without understanding its consequences. The song warns that those who are drawn to this flame, or the allure of forbidden love, may find themselves consumed by it, experiencing pain and suffering as a result.
The chorus, with its repeated reference to the 'Devil's plaything,' reinforces the idea that love can be a manipulative and controlling force. The singer's invitation to 'Come unto me' if one wants to 'touch flames' suggests a seductive yet dangerous offer, one that promises both pleasure and pain. The song ultimately portrays love as a complex and multifaceted emotion, one that can bring both ecstasy and agony. It serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of succumbing to the allure of a love that is as destructive as it is captivating.