Temptation

Cradle of Filth's song "Temptation" delves into the complex and often dangerous allure of giving in to one's desires. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the internal struggle between resisting and succumbing to temptation. The opening lines, "I've never been closer / I've tried to understand / That certain feeling / Carved by another's hand," suggest a deep, almost primal attraction that the narrator finds difficult to comprehend or resist. This sets the stage for a narrative that explores the irresistible pull of temptation and the consequences that come with it.

The recurring refrain, "All I desire (temptation) / Keep climbing higher and higher (temptation)," emphasizes the escalating nature of desire. The use of the word "temptation" repeatedly throughout the song serves to underscore its omnipresence and the constant battle to either give in or resist. The lyrics, "Adorable creatures / With unacceptable features," highlight the duality of temptation—how something can be both alluring and dangerous at the same time. This duality is further explored in lines like, "And trouble is coming / It's just the high cost of loving," suggesting that giving in to temptation often comes with significant consequences.

The song also touches on the inevitability of facing temptation, as seen in the lines, "You've got to make me an offer / That cannot be ignored." This implies that temptation is an unavoidable part of life, something that must be confronted and dealt with. The plea, "Keep us from temptation / Lead us not into temptation," echoes a familiar prayer, adding a spiritual dimension to the struggle. The song concludes with a series of rapid-fire lines that convey a sense of urgency and inevitability, reinforcing the idea that temptation is a relentless force that must be reckoned with.