Crimson Faces

Blackbriar's 'Crimson Faces' is a hauntingly poetic song that delves into themes of loss, memory, and the supernatural. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a spirit lingering in a place called Manderley, a reference that evokes the gothic atmosphere of Daphne du Maurier's novel 'Rebecca.' The song's protagonist is haunted by the memory of someone who has perished, their body lying at the bottom of the sea, yet their presence remains palpable within the walls of Manderley.

The imagery of 'monstrous rhododendrons' with 'crimson faces' serves as a powerful metaphor for the blood that was spilled and the lingering impact of the deceased. These flowers, often associated with beauty, are transformed into something menacing, symbolizing the way the past can haunt the present. The protagonist feels overshadowed by the memory of the deceased, constantly reminded of their own inadequacies and the relentless nature of the one who has passed away.

The song also explores the idea of being unable to escape the past. The protagonist is 'walking in your hauntingly beautiful shadow,' indicating that they are perpetually followed by the memory of the deceased. The scent of 'white azaleas' adds another layer of sensory detail, making the haunting experience even more vivid and inescapable. The lyrics suggest a struggle between the living and the dead, where the protagonist can fight the living but is powerless against the spectral presence that continues to taunt and possess them.

'Crimson Faces' is a masterful blend of gothic storytelling and emotional depth, capturing the essence of being haunted by the past and the indelible marks it leaves on the present.