A Gothic Romance (Red Roses For The Devil's Whore)

Cradle of Filth's "A Gothic Romance (Red Roses For The Devil's Whore)" is a hauntingly poetic exploration of dark romance, temptation, and the supernatural. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of an eerie, moonlit encounter with a mysterious and seductive figure, blending gothic imagery with themes of love, lust, and death. The setting of a castle by the sea and the presence of a 'sublimest creature' evoke a sense of timeless, otherworldly beauty, while the protagonist's infatuation and subsequent torment highlight the perilous allure of the unknown.

The song delves into the protagonist's descent into a passionate and dangerous affair with this enigmatic woman, who is described with feline grace and jade woodland eyes. The imagery of bloodletting moonlight and icy kisses suggests a vampiric or supernatural element, further emphasizing the dark and forbidden nature of their relationship. The protagonist's obsession leads him to a cemetery, where he is haunted by dreams and nightmares, blurring the lines between reality and the supernatural. The references to mythological figures like Lamia and Lemures, as well as the invocation of dark angels, add layers of myth and legend to the narrative, enriching the song's gothic atmosphere.

The lyrics also explore themes of loss and longing, as the protagonist grapples with the aftermath of his encounter. The imagery of a 'pale azured dawn' and 'stone figures, forlorn' conveys a sense of desolation and yearning. The protagonist's quest to find the mysterious woman again, despite the torment it brings, underscores the powerful and destructive nature of his desire. The song's conclusion, with its references to red roses and the Devil's Whore, encapsulates the blend of beauty and darkness that defines this gothic romance, leaving the listener with a lingering sense of melancholy and fascination.