Dance of the Bad Angels

James' song 'Dance of the Bad Angels' is a poetic exploration of inner conflict, spiritual longing, and the quest for transcendence. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a journey that is both physical and metaphysical, with the ocean symbolizing the vast, often overwhelming nature of existence. The line 'Spin the wheel, spin the wheel, go wherever she spins' suggests a surrender to fate or destiny, embracing the unpredictable waves of life.

The song delves into the tension between the physical and the spiritual, as seen in the lines 'There's a war going on between my head and my heart' and 'There's a war going on between the sun and the moon.' These metaphors highlight the internal battles we face, torn between rational thought and emotional desire, or the earthly and the divine. The reference to 'kissing princes' turning into 'toads' adds a layer of disillusionment, suggesting that the pursuit of idealized love or perfection often leads to unexpected, sometimes disappointing, outcomes.

The recurring theme of ascension and the desire to 'leave the world in ecstasy' speaks to a deep spiritual yearning. The plea 'Oh my God, please take me now, I'm ready for ascension' reflects a longing for a higher state of being, a release from earthly confines. The imagery of a statue growing wings and the singer's transformation from a 'virgin' to a lover of God underscores the transformative power of spiritual awakening. The 'dance of bad angels' symbolizes the struggle and the aspiration to rise above, to achieve a state of divine ecstasy despite the inherent flaws and conflicts within us.