How Many Tears To Nurture a Rose?

Cradle of Filth's song "How Many Tears To Nurture a Rose?" delves deep into the themes of love, loss, and the emotional turmoil that accompanies them. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a relationship that has reached its end, marked by a sense of betrayal and unreciprocated efforts. The narrator reflects on their attempts to mend the relationship, only to find their heart growing cold and black, symbolizing the emotional toll it has taken on them.

The song is rich with religious and mythological imagery, such as references to altars, psalters, and graven angels. These elements highlight the narrator's sense of devotion and sacrifice, which ultimately go unacknowledged. The line "Religious fervour got us no further" suggests that despite their intense efforts and faith, the relationship remained stagnant. The use of metaphors like "wine and fire" to disguise hurt and the recurring question "How many tears to nurture a rose?" emphasize the pain and futility of their efforts.

The narrative also explores the idea of missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential. The imagery of ships setting sail and the elven spire symbolize dreams and aspirations that were never realized. The narrator's lament that their partner could have been their "esteemed salvation" if only they had stepped down from their pedestal underscores the theme of unattainable love. The song's dark, gothic tone, combined with its poetic and evocative lyrics, creates a haunting portrayal of the complexities of love and the scars it leaves behind.