Holy Water
Freya Ridings
The Torment of Forbidden Love in 'Holy Water'
Freya Ridings' song 'Holy Water' delves into the complexities of a tumultuous and forbidden love. The recurring imagery of 'holy water' serves as a powerful metaphor for purification and redemption, suggesting that the protagonist is seeking to cleanse herself from the emotional turmoil caused by this relationship. Despite her efforts, she remains ensnared by the allure of her lover, who is depicted as a 'devil' and a 'monster.' This duality highlights the internal conflict between her desire to escape and her inability to let go.
The lyrics also evoke a sense of unreciprocated suffering. The protagonist feels a deep, almost torturous love that her partner does not seem to share or understand. Lines like 'You don't feel the torture, feel it like I do' and 'You don't feel the hunger, feel it like I do' emphasize this emotional imbalance. The repeated mention of 'vultures' circling above her lover adds a layer of foreboding, suggesting that this relationship is doomed and that external forces are waiting to pick apart its remains.
Freya Ridings' haunting vocals and the song's ethereal melody further amplify the sense of longing and despair. The repetition of 'I shouldn't love you' underscores the protagonist's awareness of the relationship's toxicity, yet she remains captivated by her partner's dark allure. This song captures the essence of a love that is both irresistible and destructive, painting a vivid picture of emotional conflict and the struggle for self-redemption.