Black Bile

Graves at Sea's song 'Black Bile' delves into the depths of human emotions, using vivid and often unsettling imagery to explore themes of melancholy, depression, and the complex interplay of bodily humors. The title itself, 'Black Bile,' is a direct reference to one of the four humors in ancient and medieval medicine, believed to be responsible for feelings of sadness and melancholy. This sets the stage for a lyrical journey through the darker aspects of the human psyche.

The lyrics paint a stark picture of emotional and physical suffering, beginning with the description of melancholy as 'cold and dry, black and sour.' This metaphorical language evokes a sense of deep, pervasive sadness that is almost tangible. The mention of a 'bride of blood purged from the spleen' further emphasizes the connection between physical and emotional states, suggesting that this melancholy is something intrinsic, something that must be purged or released.

As the song progresses, it shifts from the cold, dry melancholy to the 'sanguine hot and moist sweet and red,' representing a transition from depression to a more passionate, albeit still troubled, emotional state. The 'bride of bile begotten of the heart' and the 'sanguine passion and laughter' juxtapose the earlier imagery, indicating a complex, cyclical relationship between different emotional states. The final lines, 'slipping away healed,' suggest a fleeting moment of relief or escape from this emotional turmoil, though it remains ambiguous whether this healing is permanent or just a temporary respite.

Graves at Sea's musical style, characterized by its heavy, doom-laden sound, complements the dark themes of the lyrics, creating an immersive experience that invites listeners to confront their own emotional depths. The song's exploration of ancient medical theories through a modern lens adds a layer of intellectual intrigue, making 'Black Bile' a compelling study of human emotion and suffering.