Devil & The Deep Dark Ocean

Nightwish's 'Devil & The Deep Dark Ocean' is a symphonic metal masterpiece that weaves a dark, fantastical narrative filled with rich imagery and mythological references. The song opens with the haunting image of a snowy owl above haunted waters, setting a mystical and eerie tone. This owl, described as a 'poet of ancient gods,' symbolizes a prophetic figure, foretelling a neverending story and the coming of floods, hinting at an impending cataclysm or transformation.

The lyrics introduce a mysterious lady in white, who is surrounded by an aura of mystery. She is the harbinger of the 'Creator of the Night,' a powerful, unborn entity destined to rule a dark kingdom. This entity, described as having red eyes, is nurtured by the 'bloodred waters,' a metaphor for a place of immense power and gloom. The song's narrative suggests a fatalistic embrace of this dark power, with references to an infant's tomb and a spell to master the Earth, indicating a predestined path of darkness and control.

The song also explores themes of love, seduction, and despair. The narrator expresses a willingness to die for the love of a mermaid, a mythical creature often associated with beauty and danger. This love is intertwined with themes of disgrace and death, as the narrator speaks of a wedding dress woven by death and a plea to the Great Blue, the ocean, which is seen as the cradle of life and divinity. The song concludes with a call for liberation and peace, as the narrator envisions a future where the darkened, bloodred sea is cleansed, and songs of freedom echo across the world, symbolizing a return to harmony and eternal peace.