Rattlesnake
Bride
The Dark Playground: A Metaphor for Societal Decay
Bride's song "Rattlesnake" is a powerful and provocative commentary on the moral and social decay present in modern society. The imagery of "dropping rattlesnakes in the playground" serves as a metaphor for introducing danger and corruption into environments that should be safe and nurturing, such as places where children play. This act of placing rattlesnakes, which are inherently dangerous, in a playground symbolizes the infiltration of malevolent forces into innocent and vulnerable spaces. The repeated question, "Are we evil, are we good?" challenges listeners to reflect on their own roles and responsibilities in this societal decline.
The lyrics delve deeper into the consequences of this moral decay, describing a world where darkness tramples the light and where once-beautiful places have become corrupted. The line "It used to be pretty now it's such a pity" underscores the loss of innocence and beauty, replaced by a harsh and unforgiving reality. The song also touches on themes of hypocrisy and the failure of traditional moral authorities, as seen in the lines "No more sad sob stories, no more preachin' and cryin'." This suggests a disillusionment with empty words and a call for genuine action and change.
Furthermore, the song references biblical and historical figures, such as Cain and Abel, to highlight the timeless nature of these struggles between good and evil. The mention of "Jezzebel's cocaine in the devil's hand" evokes images of temptation and sin, further emphasizing the pervasive nature of corruption. Ultimately, "Rattlesnake" is a call to recognize and confront the dangers lurking within our society and to take responsibility for protecting the innocent and vulnerable from these threats.