Choke, Thirst, Die
Coven
The Dark Rituals of Human Suffering: Analyzing 'Choke, Thirst, Die' by Coven
Coven's song 'Choke, Thirst, Die' delves into the depths of human suffering and the dark rituals that evoke such pain. The repetitive and forceful use of words like 'choke,' 'thirst,' 'cry,' 'try,' and 'die' creates a relentless rhythm that mirrors the inescapable nature of suffering. The lyrics suggest a ritualistic invocation of the devil, emphasizing the idea that these torments are not just random but are summoned and deliberate.
The song's imagery is vivid and disturbing, with references to burning flesh and the transformation of a living man into a dead one. This transformation can be seen as a metaphor for the loss of humanity and the descent into a hellish existence. The chant-like repetition of 'growing here and growing there, growing slowly everywhere' suggests that this pain and suffering are pervasive and inescapable, spreading like a disease.
Coven, known for their dark and occult themes, uses this song to explore the concept of suffering as an integral part of the human experience. The lyrics evoke a sense of inevitability and futility, as the characters in the song are crushed beneath the weight of their pain and the sky itself. The final lines, 'Smell my flesh burning! I'm turning black!' serve as a grim reminder of the physical and spiritual toll of such suffering, leaving the listener with a haunting image of decay and despair.