Baptism

Crystal Castles' song 'Baptism' delves into themes of rebirth, forgiveness, and the struggle for personal transformation. The lyrics, 'Hold my head under water / Take a breath for the Father,' evoke the imagery of a baptism, a ritual symbolizing purification and the beginning of a new life. However, the song takes a darker turn, suggesting that this rebirth is not entirely voluntary or positive. The act of being held underwater can be seen as a metaphor for feeling overwhelmed or suffocated by external forces, possibly societal or religious expectations.

The repetition of 'Learn to love. Lessons repeating / The Chronicles are so misleading' hints at the cyclical nature of life's lessons and the disillusionment that can come from realizing that the narratives we've been taught may not be entirely truthful. The 'Chronicles' could refer to religious texts or societal norms that dictate how one should live and love, but the song suggests that these guidelines are misleading and perhaps even harmful.

The chorus, 'This is your baptism / and you can't forgive 'em,' underscores a sense of betrayal and the difficulty of moving past it. The inability to forgive suggests a lingering pain and resentment, making the process of rebirth incomplete. Crystal Castles, known for their dark, electronic soundscapes, use this song to explore the complexities of personal transformation, highlighting the emotional and psychological struggles that often accompany it. The song's haunting melody and repetitive lyrics create a sense of entrapment, mirroring the themes of the lyrics and leaving the listener with a feeling of unresolved tension.