N.I.B.

Black Sabbath's "N.I.B." is a song that delves into themes of love and temptation from a unique perspective. The lyrics are written from the point of view of Lucifer, a figure often associated with the devil in Judeo-Christian beliefs. The song begins with a declaration of love that seems pure and true, offering the beloved everything they could dream of, including the grandeur of celestial bodies. The repeated assurances of the love being real suggest a need to convince or seduce the listener, which is a common trait attributed to the devil's character in literature and mythology.

As the song progresses, the lyrics invite the listener to leave their past life and embrace a new one led by the singer. The promise of an undying love that will last 'till the end of time' adds to the seductive quality of the song. The twist comes in the revelation of the singer's identity: 'My name is Lucifer, please, take my hand.' This line is a pivotal moment, transforming the song into a metaphor for the seductive nature of evil and the allure of the forbidden. It plays on the traditional narrative of Lucifer as a tempter, offering what seems to be love and happiness at a potentially great cost.

The song's heavy riffs and dark tone are characteristic of Black Sabbath's style, which often explores themes of darkness and the occult. "N.I.B." stands out as a love song with a sinister twist, inviting listeners to consider the nature of temptation and the choices one makes when faced with it. The song's title, often mistakenly thought to stand for 'Nativity In Black,' actually has no specific meaning according to the band members; it was a nickname for drummer Bill Ward's beard that resembled a pen nib.