Angel

Depeche Mode's song 'Angel' delves into themes of transcendence, redemption, and spiritual awakening. The lyrics describe an encounter with an 'angel of love,' a metaphorical figure that brings profound emotional and spiritual experiences to the narrator. The angel's presence makes the narrator feel small and weak, yet also brings a sense of peace and contentment. This duality reflects the complexity of spiritual experiences, where vulnerability and strength coexist.

The song's imagery is rich and evocative, with the narrator describing feelings of confusion and contentment, as well as a strange, incomprehensible language that flows from their mouth. This could symbolize the ineffable nature of spiritual experiences, which often transcend ordinary understanding and language. The 'babbling fountain' suggests a flow of emotions and thoughts that are beyond the narrator's control, highlighting the overwhelming and transformative power of the angel's presence.

As the song progresses, the narrator's experiences become more intense and elevated. They describe feeling 'high' and capable of reaching the sky, with a radiant rainbow following them. This imagery suggests a heightened state of awareness and perception, where the narrator can 'see and taste sound.' The final verses bring a sense of purification and redemption, with the narrator feeling 'clean' and serene, like a preacher on Sunday. The act of wading into the water and being 'bathed' and 'drowned' symbolizes a ritualistic cleansing and rebirth, echoing themes of baptism and spiritual renewal. Ultimately, the narrator finds the peace they have been searching for, expressing a desire to remain in this transcendent state forever.